*Abbey Street.
TRADITIONAL SHOP FRONTS in Ennis must be maintained according to councillors from the county town.
Former conversation officer with Clare County Council, Dick Cronin previously wrote a document for Ennis Town Council giving recommendations on shop fronts in the county town.
This was referred to by Cllr Mary Howard (FG) who recalled, “This document as far as I can remember dealt with design criteria for shop fronts when they were being constructed, renovated/refurbished or new builds within the town centre”.
She asked for a workshop with Dr John Treacy of the Council’s heritage office “to examine how we go forward”. For this behind closed doors briefing, she wanted to see representatives from Ennis Chamber of Commerce, Clare Roots Society, businesses and stakeholders in attendance.
Senior executive planner with Clare County Council, Candace Ingram explained that the county “has a variety of both traditional and contemporary shop fronts within its towns and villages which reflect and complement their character. The importance of the quality of design of shop fronts and signage is recognised in the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 with a specific objective in relation to shopfronts CDP 7.14 which encourages the appropriate use of traditional shop front designs, materials and signs, and that new shopfronts should display unity in their scale and proportion of existing shopfronts and streetscape”.
She continued, “The historical importance of maintaining the aesthetic and character of Ennis, particularly in the designated Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs), is also supported in objective CDP16.5 by ensuring that any developments, including changes to shopfronts, preserve the architectural and historical character of Ennis and are sympathetic to the unique features of the town. Changes to the design, materials, or dimensions of shopfronts; installation of new signage and alterations to the external finishes of buildings, such as plastering, stone cladding, or rendering may require planning permission and advice should always be sought in relation to any proposed changes to shopfronts in advance of any works taking place.
“Shopfront draft design guidance for Ennis is in preparation and it is the intention that upon the appointment of a new Architectural Conservation Officer this work will be progressed to completion, which will incorporate engagement with the Elected Members of Ennis Municipal District and local stakeholders,” the senior planner stated.
Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Howard maintained that conditions were stricter “twenty to thirty years ago”. She said, “We need to nip it in the bud because we’re losing something very special”.
Ongoing public realm works necessitate the need to be thinking ahead, Cllr Howard affirmed. “Now is the time to get our ducks in a row, this time next year Ennis will be looking completely different. There has been changes to some shopfronts which haven’t changed the aesthetics of the town, whether it is Brogans, Collins Jewellers or Willow who spend a lot of money on their shop fronts. I see it slipping and I see it slipping with shops which may not have a plan”.
Seconding the proposal, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) remarked, “One thing businesses are all conscious of is the need to protect their business”. Cllr Pat Daly (FF) suggested a condition be included in planning to maintain the traditional shopfronts.
Senior engineer, Seán Lenihan informed the meeting he watched a “very interesting programme” about Westport in Co Mayo. “It is a beautiful town similar to Ennis, it might be nice to invite architect from there down if we are doing a workshop”.
