Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this important issue for debate. I acknowledge the presence of the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, in the Chamber. Ennis is the capital town of County Clare and the largest town in Munster, with a population of more than 25,000 people. Ennis town centre is distinguished by its medieval character exemplified by narrow streets, laneways and traditional buildings, all of which are complemented by the natural qualities of the River Fergus which flows through the town. Clare County Council recently concluded a document entitled Ennis 2040, an economic and spatial strategy for the town to 2040. Having fed into this report through various workshops, I was most grateful to receive a briefing from the director of services and the senior planner on the completed policy document a few weeks ago. It is anticipated that this economic and spatial strategy will be formally launched in the coming weeks. I am confident that implementation of this plan will strengthen Ennis in its role as a key economic driver and major tourist destination in the mid-west region.

Rejuvenation and enhancement programmes are essential for any civic spaces. The establishment of the urban regeneration and development fund, URDF, by the last Fine Gael-led Government has given local authorities such as Clare County Council an opportunity to secure the necessary funding to address the shortcomings in town centre public realms. One of the first projects to benefit under the newly established urban regeneration and development fund was the regeneration of Parnell Street in Ennis, along with the extensive network of lanes and bow-ways off the street. Work commenced on this important project last July and I am happy to report that the contractors are making great progress.

A number of months ago, Clare County Council lodged a further ambitious urban regeneration and development fund application to further deal with the public realm issues in Ennis. These plans were informed by a process of public consultation, stakeholder engagement and technical design studies. This project is effectively the last piece in the jigsaw. The areas covered by the proposal are Barrack Street, Old Barrack Street, O'Connell Square, High Street and Old Connell Street. O'Connell Square houses an iconic statue of Daniel O'Connell and is one of the most important public spaces in Ennis town centre. Public events of all natures have taken place here, from political rallies to sets danced at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. High Street, Bank Place and Barrack Street lead off the square while O'Connell Street is the principal shopping street in Ennis, with standout award-winning shops, bars and restaurants.

This is a most important application and a critical scheme for the town of Ennis. I hope the Minister of State and his Department's officials will give this key rejuvenation scheme favourable consideration, particularly after the devastating fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic on Ennis and surrounding areas.

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