*Traffic on the Mill Rd.
BETTER ENNIS have said the county town will remain “stuck in the past” if changes as outlined in the draft Ennis local transport plan are not endorsed.
A robust defence of many of the proposals outlined in the draft Ennis local transport plan has been made by independent community group, Better Ennis. They said the proposals will make the town a much healthier and attractive place to live and work. The group advocates for healthier town centres, active and public transport for all ages and abilities.
Gearóid Mahon of Better Ennis noted, “The proposed transport plan has drawn much attention in recent weeks. It is a crucial plan for the future of Ennis and should be given due attention by those living in the town and those living outside it and commuting in. We believe a comfortable, stress-free walking environment, a safe cycling network and quality public transport will have a transformative positive impact on how people get around Ennis. We appreciate that no plan is perfect”.
He confirmed that a formal submission to the local transport plan has been made by Better Ennis. They have urged constructive engagement on the plan and an acknowledgement that traffic congestion must be tackled to encourage people to live in the town.
According to Better Ennis, constant resistance to change in the town is hindering progress. They point to how other places both in Ireland and the EU are changing with the times and embracing modern transport and active, healthy mobility. The group urges people to keep a positive open mind and one that looks to the future, “because staying stuck in traffic means staying stuck in the past”.
Síle Ginnane of Better Ennis stated, “we have seen just how good public realm can attract people to a street and most people now realise the positive impact of pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street has on the town. It is much more accessible and safer for people using wheelchairs, mobility aids and for families with children. It is wonderful to see new businesses open on our lovely Parnell Street. However, a town needs people living in its centre to survive and thrive. We need to ensure that the streets are attractive places, so people will want to live in town and restore town centre buildings as places to live or work”.
She continued, “If we implement this plan, we are providing options for people to walk and cycle short distances safely, and to take public transport. This in turn frees up road space for those who are reliant on their private vehicles. We all know how traffic reduces when schools are off. Let’s provide the walking and cycling infrastructure to enable this to happen all year round”.
Surveys cannot be used to plan for future infrastructure in the town, Better Ennis warned. “It is not wise to rely on current behaviours and trends when trying to build the future. In Ennis, we have a road network, not a cycling or adequate pedestrian network. It stands to reason that we don’t see the volume of cyclists or walkers that we would expect if we had a properly connected and developed active transport network. Most people are not comfortable sharing road space with vehicles, while walking or cycling and a safe segregated space needs to be provided,” Gearóid a senior data scientist commented.
He added, “If we provide the space and connectivity to sincerely enable walking and biking as sensible, practical means of getting to the shops, work, services or social events, it means one less car on the road for each person walking or cycling. Given the debates about inadequate parking in the town, decreasing the number of car journeys by Active Travel is a clear win for those who absolutely need to drive and need parking. Less cars on the road means that buses can also avoid congestion and run on time and deliveries and driving in general will be safer”.
