*Photograph: Páraic McMahon
VEHICULAR traffic will return to all streets of Ennis town centre next month except O’Connell Street.
O’Connell St is to remain closed to vehicular traffic until February 16th of next year with a process beginning at the start of December to discuss its full-time pedestrianisation.
Work on the main construction phase of the Ennis public realm project will finish on November 26th, Clare County Council have confirmed. Vehicles will access all routes of the town centre from this date, except O’Connell Street. Christmas lights will be switched on in the county town on November 26th to start the festive period.
October was the scheduled completion date for the construction of the €11.5m public realm work but businesses were informed last week of a further delay to the scheme. “We can all see progress on the public realm works, they are to be completed on time which is in October of this year, it is possible that they may be completed by September,” commented Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) in her final address as Mayor of Ennis in June.
While the primary realm works are completed, some standard snag and minor finishing works will take place in the New Year.
An online survey is to go live on December 8th 2025 and will remain open to submissions until January 4th 2026. This survey is inviting the views of the public, the business community, and visitors to Ennis on future access, traffic flow, and possible pedestrianisation options for O’Connell Street. The online survey will go live on the Clare County Council website (clarecoco.ie: Have Your Say) with physical copies of the survey available at Council buildings including libraries.
In mid-January, Clare County Council will begin a formal Section 38 process, inviting further public submissions. A Section 38 of the Roads Act allows a local authority to introduce or alter road layouts such as pedestrianisation, cycle lanes, or traffic calming by public consultation, without needing a full planning application process.
Reaching the end of the construction phase is a “milestone” according to Director of Service in the Ennis MD, Jason Murphy. He described it as a “positive moment for the town, as the major construction works, spanning almost two years, comes to an end. Clare County Council wishes to thank the local business community, residents, and visitors for their patience and cooperation throughout the works. The period before and after Christmas is now a huge opportunity to experience O’Connell Street without any vehicular traffic and construction works. It will also allow businesses, shoppers, visitors, and the local community time to provide informed feedback on the potential and any challenges associated with the possible pedestrianisation of the street”.
Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) stated, “I encourage everyone, residents, businesses, and visitors, to take part in this important consultation from December 8, 2025. Your feedback will play a vital role in shaping the future of O’Connell Street and ensuring it meets the needs of our community. Together, we can create a vibrant, welcoming town centre that works for all”.
