'Not lost, but rather repurposed': Ennis parking spaces under scrutiny amid ongoing works

Concerns over the impact of ongoing works on parking spaces in Ennis have been raised by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan who is seeking clarity on how many spaces have been affected since 2023.

At the October meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, the Fianna Fail councillor requested information regarding the number of car spaces lost since 2023 due to the many works ongoing within the town. He also asked: "What actions are envisaged to have them replaced."

Responding to the concerns, Seán Lenihan, Senior Engineer said the town has not lost spaces but rather "repurposed" them as part of much-needed and welcomed improvement works and projects throughout the town and it's surrounding areas.

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Mr Lenihan outlined that a number of spaces were utilised to provide wider footpaths throughout the Town Centre as  part of the Public Realm works.

"The reallocation of these spots resulted in universal access and improved safety for  pedestrians, parents with buggies, wheelchair users and those with ambulance issues," he stated.

Further parking spaces, he said, were utilised as part of the 'Safer Routes to Schools' projects within the Town.

He explained: "These much-valued schemes have made it safer for school children and indeed parents  dropping off and collecting, to safely cross the road and be more visible to drivers and thereby  reducing risk and resulting in greater safety for all." 

Mr Lenihan also noted that although Ennis has nearly 3,000 parking spaces, one per 13 residents, efforts are underway to better manage this resource. 

This includes improved signage, real-time digital messaging, and seeking funding for additional parking solutions. 

Upcoming projects include an expanded car park at Gort Road Business Park, a new development at the former Boys National School on Kilrush Road, and private sector developments. 

A review of the current Parking Byelaws, which will help streamline parking management, is expected soon. 

In addition, the introduction of a new town bus service in the coming months will help reduce car dependency and ease the demand for town centre parking.