The partial pedestrianisation of O'Connell Street in Ennis has been hailed as a new era with new opportunities for the Clare town by Mayor of Ennis Mary Howard.
Clare County Council has confirmed the permanent partial pedestrianisation of Ennis’s main thoroughfare will come into effect next Monday.
Vehicular access will be permitted on O’Connell Street from 6am to 11am daily to facilitate business deliveries, drop offs and refuse collection and after that the street will operate as a pedestrian-only zone.
The decision follows public engagement, including surveys and formal submissions.
The council said the pedestrianisation aims to support a vibrant and attractive town centre, enhance the local environment, and provide greater support for businesses operating along the main thoroughfare.
Clare County Council Senior Engineer for Ennis MD Patrick Tiernan said the local authority considered submissions received during the Section 38 process.
"The majority of participants expressed support for pedestrianisation of some form, with more than half favouring full pedestrianisation and 90% supporting at least partial pedestrianisation," he said.
Ms Howard said the partial pedestrianisation builds on the Ennis Public Realm Works and the Ennis Streetscape Enhancement Scheme.
"It forms part of Clare County Council’s broader commitment to positioning Ennis as an attractive place to live, work, visit, and socialise," she said.
Clare County Council Director of Service for Ennis Municipal District Jason Murphy said: "This partial pedestrianisation is designed to balance the operational needs of local businesses with the public’s call for improved pedestrian spaces.
"Our goal is to create a lively town centre, support the night-time economy, and open new opportunities for businesses along O’Connell Street and the wider town centre."
