Plans being finalised for 'critical' development of public car parks in Ennis
Clare County Council says extensive public consultation and engagement with key stakeholders has taken place
Planning approval is to be sought in the coming months for the proposed development of two sites in Ennis which are 'critical' for the future growth of the town.
A senior official at Clare County Council has confirmed the planned projects at Abbey Street and Parnell Street car parks are included within the Ennis 2040 Economic & Spatial Strategy.
Acting Director of Service Sean Lenihan, made his comments in a written reply to a question submitted by Cllr Tom O'Callaghan, who sought updates ahead of a meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.
In his reply, Mr Lenihan stated that both projects have been identified as "key opportunity sites critical to Ennis' future growth," adding: "Following extensive public consultation and engagement with key stakeholders, the Project team, consisting of Ennis 2040 personnel, technical advisers and council staff have carried out considerable work on both projects with a view to submitting for Planning approval to the appropriate Authority."
In his written reply, he said work is ongoing and that plans are being finalised to hold an update briefing for elected members of the Ennis Municipal District.
This, he said, will be followed with an update and a workshop with the full Council towards the end of March.
Hundreds of people attended a protest in Ennis last May to voice their opposition to the plans to build on the two public car parks in the town centre.