Written by Ronan Judge

JUNE 5 has been identified as the potential start date for a six-month trial of Saturday pedestrianisation in Ennis though key decisions on start time and proposed free parking have yet to be made.
The announcement was made at yesterday’s meeting of Ennis Town Council by Town Clerk Eddie Power.
Mr Power presented a report to councillors outlining issues discussed by council officials and representatives of the business sector at a recent series of meetings.
In his report, Mr Power described the discussions as positive and constructive. In reviewing the pre Christmas 2009 pedestrianisation period in the town, Mr Power said that businesses had indicated that the policy had operated better than the previous period in 2008.
On the issue of start times, Mr Power said businesses were now calling for pedestrianisation to come into effect at 12 o’clock. He stated that consideration was also being given to the prohibition of parking on pedestrianised streets from 10.30am onwards, as a safety measure.
Mr Power said, “The chamber in its correspondence also raised the issue of free car parking in the public car parks and streets to which the car-parking byelaws apply. This issue requires further consideration; it has been argued that free parking on a limited basis would act as an incentive for shoppers to visit Ennis.
On the other hand, free parking may impact negatively on the availability of car-parking as the length of car-parking occupancy is extended and the turn over of car-parking spaces is reduced.”
He continued, “Members will be aware from previous discussions that it is intended to carry out a review of car-parking arrangements in the current year.
“The objective of this review will be to maximise the turnover car-parking spaces by discouraging day-long parking in key town centre areas in order to facilitate the greater availability of spaces for visitors, shoppers and people transacting business.”
“The issues around limited free parking and the start time for pedestrianisation will be further examined and consultation will continue with the business representatives and gardaí. The delaying of the starting time to 12 noon is significant and if implemented would reduce pedestrianisation to half a day. The financial impact of free parking also needs to be considered by the council,” he added.
Mr Power concluded by stating, “The critical issue for successful implementation of pedestrianisation every Saturday involves the various stakeholders working together in jointly promoting pedestrianisaton.
Mr Power stated, “Pedestrianisation can differentiate Ennis from other towns and can be a marketing opportunity for the town.”