A new €1.75 million covered building for market traders in Ennis town centre will be officially opened this Friday (16 September 2016).
The ceremony marks the completion of Phase One of the redevelopment of the market at Garraunakilla, the site of the Farmer’s Market.
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are the trading days at Ennis Market where up to 21 traders will provide a wide range of high quality goods including specialty foods, bakery and confectionery, arts and crafts, and health and beauty products. On non-trading days the facility is available for parking, providing 27 spaces in a safe, convenient central location.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s official opening, Mayor of Ennis Ann Norton said: “This very significant investment by Clare County Council in the heart of Ennis will enhance the market to standards expected in the modern age. It will provide traders with a quality and convenient location to promote their locally sourced and produced goods. We will continue to enhance the facility over the coming months so that its use can be maximised for the town”
“In developing this project, Clare County Council, supported by the Elected Members, local business community and market traders has identified the importance of maintaining the town’s market heritage and enhancing the central market area for the benefit of the thousands of people who pass through it each week”.
Ms. Norton added, “I look forward to further phases of this Market Rejuvenation Project coming to fruition in years to come and ultimately, further enhancing the market area and surrounding streetscapes.”
Other works completed under Phase One of the Ennis Market Rejuvenation Project include the upgrading of public infrastructure surrounding the site including parking, roads and footpaths, the upgrading of existing public roadways, site lighting, street furniture, the demolition of the existing structures, and landscaping and planting.
The creative market redevelopment design was provided by the design team led by P. Coleman & Associates, Consulting Engineers. The construction works were undertaken on behalf of Clare County Council by O’Brien Builders and Civil Engineering Contracts Ltd., Knockliscrane, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.