Clare County Council has confirmed details of three incentive schemes aimed at promoting Christmas and New Year shopping in Ennis.
Free parking will be applicable to the town’s public car parks from 3.00 p.m. each Thursday, Friday and Saturday from Friday, 8 December, 2017, until Wednesday, 10 January, 2017.
The Christmas Pedestrianisation Initiative also has been finalised following a recent consultation between representatives of the Ennis business community and the Council. O’Connell Street from O’Connell Square to its junction with Station Road will be closed to vehicular traffic from midday to 6.00 p.m. on Saturday 16 December, Sunday 17 December, Friday 22 December, Saturday 23 December and Sunday 24 December.
Meanwhile, the streets of Ennis will come alive to sound of Christmas music this festive season when Ennis Street Radio airs from Friday 15 December through to Christmas Eve. Well-known local radio presenter Ger Sweeney will be broadcasting daily from Ennis Market with the broadcast being relayed on street speakers throughout the town. Clare County Council, through Ennis Municipal District, is jointly funding Ennis Street Radio with town centre businesses and Ennis Chamber.
Mayor of Ennis Councillor Paul Murphy, who performed the official switch on of the Christmas lights in the town last Friday, stated, “The Christmas Parking and Pedestrianisation Initiative in Ennis, coupled with Christmas Radio and the Christmas lighting scheme, will further enhance Ennis’ status as Ireland’s Friendliest Town during the festive period.”
“The business community is very supportive of these initiatives and I would like to acknowledge their commitment to making Ennis an attractive shopping destination,” added Mayor Murphy.
William Cahir, President of Ennis Chamber, said the introduction of late Christmas shopping by town centre businesses will further enhance Ennis’ attractiveness as a shopping destination in the run up to Christmas.
“We are delighted to co-fund Ennis Street Radio with Clare County Council. Combined with the free parking, late opening hours and pedestrianisation initiatives, we feel that Ennis is more accessible and attractive as a shopping destination than ever before. The lighting scheme and decorative shop fronts throughout the town further add to the festive atmosphere and visitor experience”, he added.
“Ennis Chamber is also promoting the Ennis Gold Gift Vouchers which make an ideal Christmas gift for a family member or loved one. The Vouchers also help to generate business in the town as well as sustain employment,” said Mr. Cahir.
Brian McCarthy, Director of Economic Development, Clare County Council, commented, “Clare County Council is encouraging members of the public to shop locally this Christmas and help to sustain local jobs. Ennis offers excellent value for money and a broad shopping experience and we are delighted to be able to play our part in supporting local businesses.”
Ennis Christmas Radio presenter Ger Sweeney commented, “I am delighted that Ennis Street Radio is going ahead again this year. It has become a tradition in the town and I very much look forward to playing all the Christmas favourites across Ennis from 15 December.”