Ennis 2020 People, Place, Potential - Report on the Community Visioning Exercise Department of Politics and Public Administration / UL Practicum ...
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Ennis 2020
People, Place, Potential
Report on the Community Visioning
Exercise
Department of Politics and Public Administration / UL
Practicum
University of Limerick,
June 2011Ennis in 2020 Introduction Background The main objective of this project was to support the development of a participatory plan for Ennis as a hub town in line with the National Spatial Strategy. As such, the project endeavoured to facilitate residents and other users of Ennis to contribute their thinking on the future of the town and its hinterland. In supporting the project as part of its Practicum Programme, UL also sought to support learning amongst a range of UL students in relation to public policy; active citizenship; public consultation, using participatory methods; uses of new media and technology as platforms for participation and enhancing curriculum development. During the initial planning for this initiative it was anticipated that the project could have a number of distinct components. The first of these, addressed in this report, was to support the initial process of consultation with residents and users of Ennis on their broader vision for the development of the town. Beyond this it was suggested that a second phase might be necessary in order to take this broader vision and drill down into a number of more concentrated themes. This is referred to further in section 5 on next steps. Finally, it was considered possible that at a later stage a third phase of engagement with residents of the broader Ennis hinterland might be considered. Partners The partners in the project included: - Ennis Town Council, both elected representatives and officials; - University of Limerick (including students from the Politics and Public Administration Department and the Department of Languages, Literature, Culture and Communication, particularly the MA in Technical Communication and E-Learning. The project was also supported by the Clare Active Citizenship Network. Facilitating participation To achieve the objective of involving Ennis residents and other town users in the development of the Hub Plan, the project undertook a number of participatory exercises / interactions, designed to access perspectives in a number of different ways and in a manner that provided opportunities for a variety of population groups to participate. These are described below: Public Meetings – These were designed as general sessions for members of the public to discuss their vision and ambition for the town‟s future development up to 2020. They were facilitated using a World Café methodology (see www.theworldcafe.com) which combines a small number of inputs with conversations on „questions that matter‟. Attendance at these sessions was less than anticipated, with approximately 60 people participating. However, while the numbers were less than anticipated, the volume and depth of feedback was of a very high quality.
Introduction
Targeted interactions – Two types of targeted interaction took place
i. Decision makers – These sessions, again using the World Café methodology, were
designed to secure the views / perspectives of those who currently occupy decision
making roles, in particular, elected representatives and public officials. These sessions
provided a space for these groups to engage in a discussion on their vision for the
development of the town. Approximately, 15 people participated in session for elected
representatives and 20 in a separate session for officials.
ii. Engaging with younger people – This element of the project was designed to engage more
directly with another group who are often absent from broader public meetings. In this
case, by providing support to the Clare Youth Services, one very successful World Café
session was organised, involving over 30 young people. In addition, one targeted focus
group was held with 11 participants on the Leaving Cert Applied programme at the Ennis
Youth Centre.
Public Space Interactions – These sessions took place in the Dunnes Stores Shopping Centre
on a Thursday evening and a Saturday morning and were designed to access the views of
those who may be reluctant or unable to attend public meetings. These proved to be very
successful and approximately 180 public space conversations took place, recorded by the
facilitators or directly by participants themselves. While these engagements were inevitably
time limited they did provide very valuable opportunities to solicit a wider range of views and
opinions. These sessions were supported by a number of Ennis Town Councillors, by
members of the Clare Active Citizens Network and by staff and students from UL.
Virtual Space Interaction – The use of this final interaction space was designed to enable
virtual participation for those who do not wish to participate in face to face discussions and
was facilitated by the creation of a Facebook site and a capacity for Twitter comments.
However, take up on this option was very limited.
The partners involved in the process also developed a set of “rules of engagement to guide the
process”. These are outlined in appendix 1.
Thus, from these various sessions the opinions of over 300 people were accessed. These
opinions, as expressed in each of the different participatory fora, have been meticulously
harvested and recorded and will be made available on a website dedicated to the initiative in
the coming weeks. This report draws heavily from this harvesting process and presents
perspectives on:
- A vision for Ennis, essentially what Ennis will look and feel like it 2020. As part of
this the future image of the town is envisaged as are the facilities that are likely to be
available to its residents and other users (section 1).
- Strengths and assets, upon which this vision can be built (section 2)
- Enhancing Ennis, setting out a range of areas in which the town might be further
improved (section 3) and
- Inclusive Ennis, outlining how Ennis might be further developed as an inclusive town
with an emphasis on quality of life (section 4).
To facilitate easier absorption of a large volume of information these perspectives are
presented in mindmap format with a short accompanying narrative.
A final section addresses the next steps to be taken including the dissemination of the findings
from this exercise as well as identifying options to take the process further towards the
completion of a strategy for Ennis as a hub town.Ennis in 2020
1. The Vision for the Future
Ennis in 2020
The section of the report records how people imagined Ennis
could be in 2020. It describes:
- what they think the town could look like
- what it would feel like
-what its image would be
- what facilities it would have.Ennis in 2020
Music on the
Freestyle wall/ street art, streets
outdoors Ennis 2020 –
clean* / maintain tidy town status / Nobody throws litter
on the streets or spits How it looks
architecturally Ennis is a very Lots of Green areas
designed modern Outdoor seating attractive / clean
developments that town*, From the responses on how
are more in
old historical town, island harmony with Ennis would look in 2020
town / river, unique narrow historical buildings five key themes emerge.
streets; the narrow streets and
laneways make towns image; Aspect of town Firstly, the historical /
onto river frontage
We should do something with heritage dimension features
the riverside cause it could look
really nice with some effort
prominently as does the
Old town/medieval town‟s profile as a traditional
town / narrow streets Embraces the River
market town. Related to this
heritage town a range of ethnic
No Traffic on Streets- shops and
is a strong emphasis on
market town →
Develop the Old Style Attractive centre Ennis 2020 – “Quincy market businesses pedestrianisation, a theme
Appearance representing the How it looks Boston style that recurs in the later
history and heritage markets“ Market area
of town
section on enhancing Ennis.
covered
Umbrella over the
There is also an emphasis on
Market cleanliness and
Traditional market
Bulky and white
town
covered streets - attractiveness, thereby
goods retailers
located outside providing a platform for
town The market area tidied up
small intimate outdoor leisure /
at the weekends, all the
Bike lanes / Cycle friendly / stalls the same with nice
streets and market entertainment. Finally, an
Cycle taxis in town centre – tradition
canopies. enhanced relationship
Ennis tuk tuk
Pedesrianisation between the town and the
Whole Town is Great Shops River Fergus is envisaged, a
Parking Facilities Pedestrianised theme that again is repeated
Centre is No obvious high themed shop front -
pedestrianised* / street shops sympathetic signage throughout the report.
No cars in town centre -pedestrianised zone - not
blanket pedestrianisation / Pedestrians streets* Pedestrian friendly
(O Connell St and Abbey St). / Pedestrianised town and accessible
centre* / cars and pedestrians co-existEnnis in 2020
embraces all of its assets – an
innovative place
Welcoming,
•friendly, open and welcoming*, friendly friendly*** town, Ennis 2020 –
people in Ennis are Vibrant town* – feels good to live in, lots
people, “We have been known as the Very charming –
friendliest town in Ireland for years” welcoming, inclusive, great energy*
of community activity, tidy towns, etc. How it feels
integrate all; good atmosphere
Creative, vibrant, safe and secure,
attractive, sense of pride
busy,
Ennis is a great town – fantastic bustling**,
In terms of how the town
town pride, people are proud to be
Friendly
lively
Innovative, not too big not too small
will feel in 2020 there is a
from Ennis, great parks, great public
activities, town council and people strong emphasis on
work/ communicate well together New meeting the old for a achieving a vision of a town
buzzing town
positive attitudes that is vibrant and self
Vibrant
Great atmosphere Proud / Self
confident, a town that is
Confident active, visible entertainment busy, bustling, but one that is
loads of businesses and (cinema, theatre, sports facilities)
great community “I love Ennis 2020 – recognisable by its positive
Ennis” good place to live good town for the arts-
and work and How it feels drama, theatre, etc.;
attitudes and its innovation.
socialise Allied to this is a sense of
Entertaining
Inclusive – all
Good night life and social scene, the town being friendly,
members of the open and inclusive and being
community are
People want to be part of a real cherished equally willing to integrate all. It is
community musical,lots of facilities suggested that the town
locals take on active interest in town Participative
would communicate its ease
possibilities/ meetings/ forums / projects
Safe, secure place - low with cultural diversity,
Safe crime rate-safe to walk celebrating it richness and
around / less anti-social
public participation taken seriously behaviour the contribution of different
•Population mix / good pub culture/ cultural traditions.
proactive / interactive less Irish People no fights or “Safe place to live – no evil people”
disruptive
great sense of community / community behaviours
Less vandalism Finally, Ennis is envisaged
spirit
as a town that provides good
•Celebrates cultural
diversity*, traditions, Lots of change-much quality entertainment options
Culturally diverse more multicultural well
foods, education –
mixed
is an atmosphere that is safe
traditional culture with
international elements and secure.
Culturally rich /
Culturally uniqueEnnis in 2020
Modern active business /
maintained Business community (leisure health,
individuality with industrial, services for all
independent faiths, historical, cultural,
businesses doing well educational, residential, Ennis 2020 –
agricultural)
Its Image
Real Information Ennis would be a
age town* - smart town with the lowest Between two
town Business rates for business cities
Environment premises or ‘no rates’ well located Along with the physical
powered centre of near airport,
commerce- sustainable Ennis as centre Shannon airport
well-connected, fast images described above, the
rail line to Shannon
entrepreneurship centre of excellence vital;
Airport - 15 miles external image of Ennis in
for trade from Shannon
Major industry hub – Highly attractive
2020 is further defined by a
Airport –
centre for foreign direct investment – number of particular elements.
Industrial and commercial zones Location
A strong economic foundation
Nice place to
Shopping
Visit-Dining,
is perhaps the most prominent
capital of
Clare / Big
Entertainment, Economy Top tourist destination* / of these, comprising a positive
shopping and town* - 20 miles from
shopping centre business environment, a range
good Atlantic Ocean / accessible
Tourism base
Boutique Town- infrastructure of retail outlets, (though there
a town that every Irish
Small Local Town resident has visited and is a difference in emphasis
Ennis 2020 – knows
Its Image
between local, independently
Thriving, diverse
businesses -no out
owned shops vs larger scale
Retail
of town megastores high street retailers) and a
Sustainable / Eco Friendly
Town
strong job creation
Book festival, - low carbon renewable performance.
Market town- Fleadh Ceol energy / a centre of low
mix of Culture / carbon economies Alongside the economy, the
Industrial/ high traditional with tradition - sustainable town / good town‟s image is closely
tech modern* Traditional music capital of quality of life
employment Ireland / respects - leading Ireland in the associated with culture and
traditional music, heritage / development and tradition, not least its location
Glor full every night Known for traditional music implementation of renewable
high
Job Creation with tourists and locals which can still be heard in energy at the country‟s traditional
employment** pubs and in the streets - wide scale use of
a town where Central town for
Photovoltaic solar panels on
music capital and with its
with continued job creation is Irish culture –
education valued and music, art, language schools, public buildings, strategic location and
encouraged etc social housing
- piped group heating schemes
prominence as a tourism base
- using renewable energies / hub.
such as wood chips as an
alternative to oil and gas Finally, by 2020, it is
-Energy Efficient (No 1 town envisaged that Ennis would be
in Ireland)
-Wind power recognised for its emphasis on
Recycling
- Leading town in Renewable
energy sustainability.
energy and researchEnnis in 2020
Excellent Shops to
communication promote local
s – Roads/Rail/ crafts
Telecoms Ennis 2020
Small shops
Bigger Shops- What facilities
A lot of Shops Malls & does it have
offering
Closed Department
quality/choice,
No more car Stores
More link roads great service
parks / Park &
ride / covered Roads in to the town High street
off motorway fantastic local The picture of the facilities
parking for markets shops
bikes park & ride- Retail
that will be available in the
mini Luas Nothing Left- Parnell & town can be broken down
More stalls with Abbey Streets Businesses between retail / commercial
Control urban teenage items – closed because big
facilities for car parking* facilities and infrastructure
sprawl like Galway shopping centres will
but do not interfere with
flow in town - all parking is have killed the town described on this page,
on periphery of town Parking centre alongside amenities,
within close walking Independent education services, culture
distance of all amenities Shops
and heritage, described in the
Infrastructure River cafes /
good wifi in Ennis 2020 pages that follow.
River taxis
public library /
What facilities Retail /
wifi all over
Commercial Food
town does it have In terms of infrastructure,
Ennis would Clean-Good four elements dominate:
working have solved its Restaurants &
transport B&Bs, youth
Shops
parking, transport (including
Alternative flooding
infrastructure, hostels and within the town and its
methods of problem Tourist
local bus hotels
transport (bus, attractions hinterland); roads and water /
service,
cycle tracks) waste facilities. The retail /
Thriving pedestrianised retail Loads of cafes/
centre – no more retail parks or fast food commercial outlook
useful public transport sheds emphasises the availability
and urban-rural links
and town / continuous of good quality food outlets
loop bus, link to More bins / and a vibrant retail
Transport Less litter
outskirts performance, albeit the
bicycles/ cycle means of delivering this is
network* incl. Water / waste
Lees Road
not uniformly agreed.
Better Access from the
Airport-Flights From (great
good sewage
Europe into Shannon amenity)→ to
and water Better water
work, to school
facilities system (pipes)Ennis in 2020
Ennis 2020 –
What Amenities Does it
Giving kids something to do will stop
Have
them loitering. Help them to explore
A richer and plenty to do, and develop interests. Give them
bigger library cultural something to be passionate about!
activities
Alongside infrastructure and
Better cinema commercial facilities, it is
Youth centre
open more Stuff for Outdoor stage envisaged that Ennis would
teenagers to do that can show
More facilities Entertainment have a range of high quality
-spaces, movies in the
for youth
activities, art/ park amenities on offer including
service Cheaper facilities for
graffiti spaces
teenagers (cinemas, attractive green spaces and a
arcades, places for
Like Holland –
Better hangouts The only two swings indoor carnival
music)
Better parks
variety of play areas,
other than in Ennis are in the catering for children,
Youth and woods /
CYS / hub small child playground
Facilities pretty flowers
– more swings
and trees
teenagers and older people
Free bike
alike. Good quality sports
scheme continual river facilities would also be
walk
More places to available, including indoor
go when its
raining lots of open facilities. Ennis would also
Ballyalla lake Green spaces areas, parks / stand out as a town that
developed. playgrounds
I wish we had a provides good quality
Indoor sports
rowing club – facilities for young people.
facility – its
we never use
Ireland, it rains Finally, the town would be
the river Fair green for
Another Lees Ennis 2020 –
road closer to people to run, served by a range of
What Amenities Does it
town or better walk and play.
Have accessible and innovative
directions to it.
Good sporting entertainment options,
facilities
Playground in
serving locals and visitors
More active every housing alike.
groups i.e. estate skate parks
kayaking clubs Basketball New GAA Play areas
court grounds
Better play
Adult facilities
playground
Amenities
available for
kids.Ennis in 2020
Our Lady’s Hospital
turned into a 3rd level
education college University - UL
& NUIG – Ennis
campus – Eco
Research
Ennis 2020:
We should have a Facilities
university / Access 3rd level
to college Traditional Arts
College
housing
suitable for
older people in very good schools with Finally, in terms of facilities,
private sector proximity to Limerick and Ennis in 2020 would be served
Galway universities, by a good quality education
Education
Ennis has good system and the availability of
health facilities some form of third level
– multi purpose provision, both in the town and
Centres with health centres Traditional music and
Traditional music*: through enhanced access to
access to camping in the fair
information Ennis 2020: pubs, cois na
green for festivals colleges in the region.
Facilities hAbhanna, Glor
Museum The town would also be
enhanced by a renewed emphasis
Services Strength of Old Friary being used at on culture and heritage, utilising
history and abbey is weekends for families and
culture
facilities such as the Abbey and
fantastic - use visitors with music at night. Local
More volunteer food festival on premises during
the town‟s renown as a centre for
heritage more
services the day. Families having picnics traditional music.
on grass outside.
Culture / Finally, as will be evidenced
Mental health heritage
services for youth Lots of lovely town sculpture later, quality of life in the town
would be enhanced by the
Graffitti walls Events in public places – free from
insurance claims
provision of a good quality
More Help for Youth and Drugs health service, including mental
Music & Culture-Art galleries,
health supports.
traditional music
Concert hall *Ennis 2020: Strengths / Assets
2. Ennis 2020
Building on Strengths and Assets
-
In this section, participants‟ perceptions of the strengths and assets of
the town are described under a number of headings:
People and place
Economic potential
Infrastructure
Heritage / culture and
Facilities and recreationEnnis 2020: Strengths / Assets
The Community is already
joining together to work
Ambition from Youth culture /
young people Young people**
towards improving our town Ennis 2020: Assets –
People & Place
young Community spirit and small town feel –
population* - heart of the community in the streets
need to be kept The achievement of a vision
here Young population for the future starts with a
Peoples Strong volunteer groups
recognition of existing
involvement in Community strengths (and weaknesses).
community life involvement One of the main strengths
Everybody knows each other
(secure community) identified at the various
Sense of civic
pride participatory sessions is a
Cultural diversity*, valuing of people and place.
language, cultural Thus, Ennis is seen as
rituals/practices, food multi cultural Friendly welcoming population / benefiting from a young
and dance atmosphere** population and a progressive
Class People,
youth culture. There is also a
Sound Out sense of a strong community
Lots of blow-ins in Ennis spirit and a willingness to work
– this creates a sense of Ennis 2020: Assets – Open minded- foster change
together. Diversity and
Diversity Openess openness emerge as strengths,
multi cultural diversity People & Place
which though as will be observed
later, this view is not shared by
Tourist Base – Burren, Aran all.
Islands; East Clare (Lough
Derg), Kerry
Huge renewable energy resource on Finally, it is suggested that the
our doorstep - “40% of Europe’s Proximity to Limerick/ place itself, that is, Ennis‟
Location Shannon Airport**/ Galway
available wind” location and proximity to a
mix of a larger urban
Escape from city life yet settlements and natural
facilities are available Natural landscape landscapes is a unique and
important asset.Ennis 2020: Strengths / Assets
Market town*
and good
business town good mix of retail Ennis 2020: Assets -
and other services Hotels: capacity Economic Potential
for increased
Great shops***
tourism
Retail services As well as its people and its
location, participants identified
a number of economic
Country market
Tourism** strengths. Ennis‟ existing
business profile is seen as
offering a good mix of retail
Market and other services. It is also
Strategically/ suggested that the town has
Ennis 2020: Assets - economically considerable additional
capacity to service a tourism
Economic Potential located market.
Strong industrial A certain level of pre existing
heritage, Strategic Location Loads of space for industrial capacity is also
Ardnacrusha and suggested as an asset, with
the required potential to strengthen this
Moneypoint Industrial development to further as a result of the town‟s
Capacity happen strategic location and the
Lots of space for availability of ample space to
new shops enable development to take
Large multi place.
national nearbyEnnis 2020: Strengths / Assets
Linkages – Motorway;
Rail; Airport
Ennis 2020: Assets -
Transport Infrastructure
(Bus services) Airport******, 15
minutes away
Character: New Ennis bus service Underpinning the economic
potential of Ennis, a number of
Streetscape,
infrastructural assets were
Transport identified. These include the
availability of a good transport
service, although it is clear that
Some nice buildings improvements to this are
envisaged by many
Natural resources, participants.
Built Ennis 2020: Assets -
forest, wave, wind,
Layout of the town Environment Infrastructure excellent grid The town‟s built environment
infrastructure was also seen as an important
asset.
Architecture of the Town-
Keep it Old and Medieval- Natural Finally, a number of natural
With Sewerage Systems Resources resources were identified,
including the Post Office field
River and post office in the middle of the town, the
River/ Lake field* as a park and river and nearby lakes and
natural habitat e.g. proximity to high quality
St. Mary’s Park in renewable energy resources.
DublinEnnis 2020: Strengths / Assets
Music, Dance,
Already recognised as the capital of accommodation, venues Ennis 2020: Assets
Irish trad. Music – the Nashville or (Glór, Cois na hAbhanna),
Vienna of Ireland Heritage*** Heritage / Culture
festivals (Book festival, (Churches; Abbeys; Medieval town
Fleadh Nua) Cathedral; Irish centre – narrow
Traditional music Dancing* – National streets,
& World's) compact******
The recognition of heritage and
Tourist attractions cultural assets and their potential
Culture, Arts, music for development features
and dance* are multiple,
medieval historical prominently throughout this
heritage, report.
Ennis 2020: Assets architecture ,
Heritage Assets In terms of heritage, the
Traditional music Heritage / Culture abbeys**,
festival attracts Fleadh Nua churches* historical built environment
Irish and foreign offers numerous resources
tourists including abbeys, churches and
Heritage, Culture, the narrow, compact streets,
Historic character, producing an old town
Old town atmosphere and character.
atmosphere, Quaint
Reinforcing this is the town‟s
recognised traditional music
A large prize
winning musical Other cultural pedigree, enhanced in more
society, theatre and
recent years by the provision of
assets
interest in the arts Glór as a high quality
Museum performance venue.
However, other cultural assets
Nice Folk and Arts are also identified, including the
History town museum and the Ennis
Musical Society.Ennis 2020: Strengths / Assets
Sports (Lees Road Sport Facility; Tim
Smyth Park; Community Pitches; 3
Wonderful sports new playgrounds; Cusack Park; Sport
facilities for adults & Recreation Centre; Golf Courses Ennis 2020: Assets -
and children including (East Clare; Lahinch: Doonbeg; Facilities and Recreation
swimming pool Shannon; Dromoland; Skate Park
Most facilities are
supported by Youth
Service Sports Facilities Cusack Park* – central While the vision for 2020
Skateboard Park
envisages the availability of
Youth Centre- good quality amenities and
Projects, Music, facilities, there is an
Events Hub acknowledgement from most
participants of the quality of
Good Services for
existing facilities. In particular,
Youth it is recognised that much
Nice hotels and progress has been made in the
restaurants
provision of sports facilities,
Youth Centre-Music Hotels /
Committee/Arts/The Youth facilities Ennis 2020: Assets - restaurants
especially since the opening of
Good town to wine & the Lees Rd. facility.
Hub Facilities and Recreation dine
The contribution of existing
Youth Centre is Amazing-Place youth facilities is also
With a roof for when it is Youth facilities acknowledged, though the need
raining-Nice Youth Workers- in the centre of for more funding is stressed.
Needs More Funding ennis Alongside this the availability of
Cinema
good schools and proximity to
Entertainment third level colleges offers a
very well educated Education distinct advantage to the town.
workforce
Great clubs culture in Ennis – outdoor Finally, Ennis is seen as good
Strong Education club; cheli club; toastmasters; loads to do town for food and entertainment
Education, colleges in Ennis and people who want to do it –
(Second Level provision, provided
nearby what if the Town offered more dancing
commercially and by a range of
on the streets!
clubs and organisations.Enhancing Ennis 2020
3. Enhancing Ennis 2020
- In this section of the report, a variety of suggestions are recorded on
how Ennis could be enhanced as a town in which to live, work, visit or
invest. These suggestions are classified under the headings of:
Amenities
Infrastructure
Transport Infrastructure
Leisure / Entertainment
Arts / Culture
General Economic Development
Retail Development
Tourism Development
Education
Services and
Image / BrandEnhancing Ennis 2020
Shooting Range; Go
potential for Karting; skateboard
festivals* park in town; A track Ennis 2020: Amenities
more use of Clare (summer fest on for boy racers to use to
river coach Castle Harbour- river mess with their cars;
boat trips, Marina Places Where People
Youth quarter in town – Can Listen and Make
youth orientated shops, Inclusion of Music
Lees road should be linked businesses and services; facilities for teens, Enhancing Ennis by the
to Ballyalla lake or Giroige Develop river/lake Brightly coloured provision of a wider range of
Lake for the provision of potential painting or artistic amenities featured prominently
Youth centre is great but in the suggestions by all groups,
water sports graffiti there is still a lot of young most especially with members of
people to cater for the public. Amongst these, the
Rowing club
development of aquatic
Aquatic amenities was a recurring theme,
More places to
the primary emphasis being on
hang out, quiet
Develop the river / the development of the River
Ennis 2020: parks
Fergus and of Ballyalla Lake as
riverside walks**
(Venice in Ennis) Amenities Youth
Develop more child amenity resources.
and teen facilities by
Clean the river and the lines of Fairgreen/ In addition, the provision of a
make sure its done Lee’s Road wider range of facilities for
Ballyalla & Dromore
with advice from young people was prioritised, not
Woods-Needs Free Youth centres,
scientists just by the youth participants but
and Legal Camping facilities also by other participants in the
& Fires
Get Teenagers to broader public meetings.
Development of Build Stuff-
Post Office field Literally-e.g.
Build/Create stuff
in Youth SpaceEnhancing Ennis 2020
More leisure
places – park, Give people
theatre etc parks, activities More activities
More child
besides the pub
friendly places to
Culture of activity Ennis 2020: Amenities
bring children on
and sport
holidays
Enhanced green Parks / play areas Providing specially
areas*** Culture of activity designed facilities for As well as the focus on youth
community groups and and aquatic amenities, the
The park should be A nice public park* for clubs etc provision of green areas and
built for people of picnics that is central
all ages, not just and would be a
play areas was seen as
little kids meeting place* Community centres important, though it was
available to all groups suggested that the needs of a
who want to hire them mix of different age groups be
Encourage children –
considered within this.
games in playgrounds Ennis 2020: Community Local community halls in each parish
Amenities facilities with facilities for groups, It was also considered that the
celebrations, mini companies, small provision of additional sports
Play areas, sports enterprises
fields*/facilities *
facilities / capacity would also
enhance the town, including
Promotion of sports Sports the potential to develop a
teams / clubs Community centres League of Ireland soccer team.
Outdoor Groups Promote League Finally, the creation of and
of Ireland Soccer support for community
team infrastructure to support
Facilities for older community based activities
Unite sport organisations in people was included by a number of
conjunction with Local authorities participants.
E.g. expansion of clubs Playgrounds for
all ages in fair Facilities for older people* (Centre;
green, including Support; Care facilities; Residential
for older people Unit/ Community for Older People)Enhancing Ennis 2020
Make the town centre area
the hub of retail, social living
and visiting, including some
form of pedestrianisation, Coach parking* /
street cafes, and street Motor home park
entertainment. Proper vision
by all involved Free Parking* with
Ennis 2020: Infrastructure
integrated bus
service
Roof over O’Connell St Better Parking on
and pedestrianised outskirts
Remove Abbey As was evident in the Vision section,
More parking Street Car Park and the provision or upgrading of the
facilities use space for
outdoor café style
town‟s infrastructure is seen as an
Pro-pedestrianisation- Ennis important element in the enhancement
seating
is so pretty without cars of Ennis.
Two of the most frequent elements
Pedestrianisation / Traffic free
Ennis 2020: raised by participants were
centre / Pedestrianise Abbey St & Pedestrianisation Parking pedestrianisation and parking.
O’Connell St / Pedestrianise town Infrastructure
bit by bit
improved accessability to Taking parking first, the suggestions
Pedestrianisation, emphasis town by providing strategic ranged from reducing parking charges
Free car parking / Three parking facilities at a
on market and small streets / days free parking a
to designating certain days for free
reasonable rate
less cars week in town for car Reduced parking parking to help to stimulate retail sales.
park rates
Pedestrianised streets ( the old The related theme of pedestrianisation
streets, main streets from Address cost & time was undoubtedly one of the most
square) of parking in Ennis
prominent issues to be raised, with all
of those who mentioned it advocating
Cheap or free parking*** / Stimulate retail sales – pedestrianisation of some sort or other,
more parking reduce rates* and parking ranging from a gradual or partial
spaces******** / parking at fees (at least for the first pedestrianisation to an all out approach
night, no paid parking at two hours) taking in all of the town centre.
night / access to parking for
businessEnhancing Ennis 2020
Fix signposts*
Signage for town
on bypass and Ennis 2020: Infrastructure
roundabouts*
Revitalise town
retaining the old
centre: for living,
town/ medieval
shopping and
town culture
Good signage** recreation
Enhanced broadband
Signage pedestrianised, Under the infrastructure
communication** /
cornucopia shop of heading participants also
free public wifi /
quality, Clare food & suggested that greater attention
greater use of
crafts, build on Develop civic centre / be paid to the development of
technology
traditional shops make more use of the town centre, with particular
public square emphasis being placed on the
Free high speed
Information / prevention of any further
broadband* / Improved
Communication
IT facilities-Access
Technology Ennis 2020: deterioration of the older parts
existing fibre optic Well lit lane-ways of the town. A distinct
RIW6 / Connecting fibre
Infrastructure 2
Develop the town element of the development of
ring centre the town centre was the
Put transparent number of suggestions to
canopies over provide a cover (s) over some
main streets of the main streets.
Cover roof of More people living Restore older parts
in the town centre The final element recorded
Market St, indoor Prevent of the town
under this heading of general
parking. Move deterioration of
market stalls in Covered streets infrastructure was the
town centre
there suggestion to upgrade the
provision of broadband to the
Temple Gate Square : find use for vacant/
town.
Market crafts – Preserve chapel
unfinished buildings /
covered like Limerick lane buildings
L.O.T.S. and alternative
market / Covered areas use of town centre
propertiesEnhancing Ennis 2020
Better train** / bus
services Improve transport
for people who
Proper transport system live far away*
Better connection to permit access by Ennis 2020:
Buses suitable for to Limerick- pedestrians, cyclists and Transport
Shannon public transport and Infrastructure
buggies and
transport by private
elderly
vehicle Shannon airport to be made
independent of D.A.P- pilot
Suburban bus scheme of 10 years/ rail link
Continuous bus A strong Shannon While the last section signalled
service from Ennis to Shannon
loop airport recognition that much of the existing
Public Transport; transport infrastructure was of a high
Bus around the Ennis 2020: Run local transport to
quality it was clear further
town; Bus line* improvement were possible.
Transport Shannon Airport / Rail line
Infrastructure to Shannon Airport
In particular, the provision of a bus
service to link areas on the outskirts
of Ennis as well as outlying villages
with the town centre was seen as
More slip roads Motorway link to important, particularly for young
Daily bus service to off motorway Galway people.
the town from
Promote ECAT outside villages, Within the town additional cycling
service especially for young facilities were advocated while
people* Cycling Facilities
around the town the provision of
Dependable additional slip roads off the
transport system motorway was proposed.
Cycle Lanes**
from other parts Bridge from Watery
of Clare Road to Lees Road for Finally, in keeping with the frequent
walkers and cyclists reference to the role of Shannon
Bikes with baskets Airport in economic development,
and child seats &
the creation of a strong Shannon
roofed parking –
airport was seen as a prerequisite to
system in Dublin
development and growth.Inclusive Ennis 2020
Night time
More youth facilities/ activities*** Ennis 2020:
Gig trail
would help, youth cafes (alcohol free) Leisure /
Jazz night café Street Entertainment
Reduce Price of Non-Pub Events /
entertainment
Reduce Price of Non-Alcoholic Drinks
More People playing Providing leisure and
Music, Playing Concerts More clubs for
Music entertainment outlets was seen
Outdoors young adults
Music Town* as an issue of importance, both
to meet the needs of those who
More Variety of: live in or around the town but
Entertainment for Youth also to attract visitors.
Music
students / young organisations to
people guide the youth As might be expected, the
enhancement of Ennis as a
music town featured strongly, to
Ennis 2020: Youth club like include not just formal concerts
Leisure / Foróige but also a gig trail, jazz cafes
Entertainment and street entertainment.
For youth On a more specific note, the
availability of affordable leisure
Provisions for younger generation to
Open air cinema / entertainment outlets for young
prevent anti social behaviour -
incorporate upkeep of the town for
people, including those in
young offenders
alcohol free environments, was
Cinema identified. This was seen as
Ennis world cinema crucial in efforts to reduce
Subsidised cinema / showcasing movies incidents of anti social
café for young from around the Fun events for children, teens, older people. behaviour.
people world – drawing in (parade, fun, free staffs, outside disco)
language studentsInclusive Ennis 2020
More passing on of
traditions crafts/
trades Art Projects
Ennis 2020: Arts /
Performance Art
Free space to build
Theatre of the Oppressed-Community Culture
Theatre Projects
artistic puppets, where
all the creations can be
used by all the Get Art Done by the community displayed in
community groups. storefronts or paint the boarded up shops
Projects
Music on the
Closely related to the last
International centre Streets section, participants repeatedly
of excellence for highlighted the need to
our traditional
music and dance Musical Instruments Rentals-
strengthen the capacity of the
Cheaper Lessons and Materials town to support and provide a
rich variety of arts / cultural
Proper dance
activities.
studio in Town Ennis 2020: Arts /
Centre
Facilities Culture Arts festival Amongst the main priorities
Harp festival were the provision of arts /
Open disused World music/dance culture facilities; support for a
properties to Art festival. variety and diversity of arts /
cultural projects and a range of
specific suggestions to
Celebrations Multicultural festivals
Enhance Glór focussing on similarities as celebrate the town and its
365 day festival to opposed to differences tradition and diversity.
celebrate the new decade
World parade street parties with
mix of countries and cultures
Designate international theme days
throughout the year where a particular Improve community spirit with
country and its cultures including its annual community days
music, food, dance etcInclusive Ennis 2020
More SME’s for
Develop Shannon employment
Free zone / bring in industrial- high tech
American Government funded
companies Encourage Employers to employment exchange and jobs Ennis 2020:
Develop industry employ ethnic minorities club – labour exchange, skills
Invest in Free Ennis
potential: zoning, exchange – provide a service General Economic
Factories, more work, more Zone a la Shannon
promote new with your skills. Development
industry
infrastructure
Improved employment
An Industrial Estate
More opportunities for ‘New
As might be expected, economic
construction Irish’ - public and development was a concern in
Redevelop industrial base, Industrial
get MNCs back to Ennis development jobs private sector virtually all of the different
participatory exercises.
More job opportunities in
Ennis and environs (less
Iphone “app” for
Website that links commuting) with a mix of At a general level, the provision
ideas with investor services and manufacturing of jobs was highlighted, the goal
town
Ennis 2020: being summed up as “a job for
Broadband / IT/ General Economic Jobs /
Cloud computing employment
A job for every person in Ennis and every person in Ennis and
hub
Development Jobs for Young around around”. Related to this, the
People drive for industrial development
Virtual workspace – Technology More employment in the town and
Home office / all
supports Job opportunities*: living Shannon , meaning population was seen as central, supported
houses free by the provision of national
standards and work growth and not dormitory town
internet access Good library with e-
options investment and by the upgrading
learning facilities
Regenerate information Big and small employers of technology supports in the
age town needed region.
Attractive rents for
businesses*
Cloud computing Investment As a more local level, reducing
Jobs strategy and implementation
costs to business was also cited
Rents / rates as an important factor in
More investment by Creation of critical
Govt. Departments mass to support stimulating economic activity.
business Reduced rent rates Input from council
investment and business costs / – Reduced rates* /
Promote ennis as a flexibility rent capital for business
place to invest in reviewInclusive Ennis 2020
More shops** / shopping More big shops /
centres*** / like the Ennis Shopping
more modern
crescent but not Mall Something
Local goods/ shops Ennis 2020:
necessarily outside the like Dundrum
produce in the Economic
shops Unique/quality town / with more
shopping Development -
variety and reasonable
prices. Retail
More shops (Marks and
Support small local shops and Spencer/ Debenhams)
businesses and entrepreneurs less need to travel and be The issue reducing the costs of
able to spend more here rates and rents for business also
arose in the various inputs on
More shops** / open up old shops / Local shops High street shops enhancing retail development.
do not allow new shops, reduce
competition / Reopen closed More retail parks
Here too the divergence of
stores / Establish speciality shops Develop an views on the nature and type of
Ennis 2020: outlet that development emerged. On
Youth could use vacant units
Economic centre* one hand, some participants
Flea markets Development - favoured the introduction of
large retail outlets as a means of
Retail
preventing leakage of spending
Develop the Market / High rents/rates → deterrents – to Limerick and Galway. By
Small market spaces*, Lower rents, affordable rates* contrast, other participants
bustling favoured the prioritisation of
support for locally owned,
Develop market speciality shops that would have
Promote Country market Rates Review rates charged to shops
area a capacity to sell local produce,
for great local food based on their turnover*
including the development of
Covered market the town‟s market area.
area
Main street needs more
Funding for
retail outlets - rents and
market Change business rate system
rates too highInclusive Ennis 2020
Promoting tourism
Designated via nationwide
tourist/pub/ advertising
Incentive weekends where Ennis 2020 -
guides Maps of Ennis on everyone welcomes tourists and
Friendlier traffic
wardens roads into town and gives them reasons to come back Tourism
(especially for pull in area to view it
coming into town on Bórd Fáilte need to focus on Ennis
tourists)
each road
Tourism: marketing of all assets of the town
Street Give tourists free
incl. history, character, skills, facilities,
ambassadors/ walking tours of Tourism was also seen as a key
tourist walking, guided tours, markets,
Voluntary town Ennis
festivals platform upon which to
guides to assist Need a web portal Marketing /
tourists Promoting Ennis in
strengthen the local economy
promotion in Ennis and its environs.
Tourist Services Shannon
Daily tours of
ennis facilities /
Capitialise on Tourism drive to promote To meet the widely suggested
clare
proximity to cities Clare and Ennis tourism potential that exists in
More tourist Good night life and the coast Ennis and more broadly in
relaxation areas / with Irish music Ennis 2020 - Clare a number of key areas
seating areas to
enjoy the town Tourism were identified for action.
These were:
More festivals Coach parking
would bring in - marketing and promotion
more visitors e.g. - the development of specific,
Miltown Malbay Tourism Places for vegetarians additional tourist facilities (e.g.
products Tourist
Places like Glór and cultural camper van / bus parking)
Facilities
festivals will make Ennis more of - the creation of specific
Camping/ overnight parking facilities,
a cultural centre for internal Old Abbey open tourism products and
park & ride facilities
tourism with music at
- enhancement of services for
night with candles
Camper Van Parking tourists (e.g. free walking
A new music tours, street ambassadors)
festival (Bodhran,
Harp
Create facilities in Ballyeala LakeInclusive Ennis 2020
3rd level*** to enter Ennis
to encourage further
investment
abolish secondary 3rd/ 4th/ 5th
education
Ennis 2020 -
schools in favour
More outreach of places where Education
networks for people learn Ripple effect of 3rd level
Schools* – bring
mature students
old people in, use In the education sphere, a
minds number of participants
Celtic*** & genealogy centre highlighted ways to enhance the
Not enough art for
people town through focusing on
Educational second and third level as well as
Issues civic education, though this later
No physics class in 3rd level University campus* /
area was not elaborated upon.
the Colaiste University
Drawing from the earlier Vision
Longer library opening Ennis 2020 - Better schools section, the primary focus of
hours Education inputs on 3rd level education was
on the provision of some form
Schools funding for building of campus in Ennis, either
focusing on a specific education
2nd level Schools-Should have an / research area or providing an
open selection policy outreach service from a single or
Civic
possibly a collection of
institutions.
Schools should play a
Renovate primary schools
key role in welcoming
Meanwhile, the comments on
foreign nationals
the second level sector were
primarily concerned with
School-More open great enhancing buildings, selection
Education Required on transparency about admissions-run policy and the role of schools in
Racism etc-Encourage by boards of management not the challenging racism and
Multiculturalism Church promoting multiculturalismInclusive Ennis 2020
Emergency
Ambulance
Ennis 2020:
A&E: Hospital
Good health Services
facilities – one
Reliable and safe Access*** stop shop
water supply
Better hospital/ While they did not feature to the
medical facility. same degree as other issues
discussed earlier, the provision of
Sewage system Health Care services did arise on a number of
Good, 24hr Health
capable of dealing Water / Sewage Service occasions.
with the expansion
of the town Peace of mind with In particular, the provision of
regard to health quality health care in the town and
the maintenance of a 24 hour
hospital service were named as
More services for important priorities.
unemployed and
Ennis 2020: homeless
Other service raised by a number
Affordable housing Services of participants included support
Support
Housing / services
services for the unemployed; the
Have Support
Accommodation Groups for Drugs,
homeless; for those dealing with
alcohol and drug problems. The
Alcohol-Stop
need for enhanced accommodation
Fighting &
Mitching
and childcare services were also
Better and More mentioned.
Equal Access to
Affordable child
care Childcare Services when in
NeedInclusive Ennis 2020
Bit cleaner -
identity branding dumping should be
(boutiques, music, Maintain tidy town status What is the shop window of the town
dealt with
cultural/historic
Attractive streets / Town Centre of Develop an Ennis/Clare brand to sell
town
cleaning up the older
parts of the town
Excellence the town as a top tourist attraction Ennis 2020:
Marketing of
historic/heritage Maintain / Fresh Paint Re-brand Ennis like the re-branding of Image / Brand
Lovely flowers / parks New York I♥NY
Music and culture, Backing up the Branding the Proper marketing of Ennis (ref Charlestown
including language
Responses around the issue of
branding town USA)
branding have been divided
Capitalise on between how the brand can be
quaintness and more coordinated marketing
character , cafes created and supported and the
and lanes and nature of the actual brand
squres Ennis 2020: itself. Thus, it is seen as
Encourage Image / Brand important to undertake a
musicians / street Young, creative, Young creative inspiring place
Traditional, concerted branding effort,
performers/ small innovative
cafes historical backed up by grater attention
being paid to the image the
Promote the “lanes Friendliness and hospitality is key town projects to visitors and
of Ennis” as an Friendly, indeed those who live there.
attraction hospitable, safe
(heritage/history Safe environment
On the issue of actual brands,
showcase history a number of potential brands
and heritage of have emerged including an
town → make it
“alive“ through Accessible hub emphasis on:
Green town in economic and environmental terms
festivals, pageants,
walks, talks
Located close to university
Environmentally aware town - the traditional / historical
towns without the cost of the - the accessible hub
Green Town Local food quality
university towns - the green town
Servicing our own products / co-operative existence
- the friendly, safe town
Ennis as a creative, accessible and inclusive hub Zero carbon town and
connected to its outlying community across the - the young, creative and
Put every penny
county and to Galway and Shannon Gateways and
internationally via Shannon airport for business
into housing Ennis branded as a 'green' town → less traffic, less carbon, innovative town
insulation more eco-initiatives, fair trade, electric vehicles etc
and tourismInclusive Ennis 2020 4. Inclusive Ennis 2020 While many of the issues raised in section 3 have the potential to contribute to building a more inclusive community (ies) in Ennis, a number of specific, additional components have been identified. These include: Building co-operation and social capital Creating opportunities to meet Community Safety Political / Institutional engagement
Inclusive Ennis 2020
Use Offer Volunteer Work- Don’t Want to be Not Interested in including anybody
volunteerism Get People involved in Inclusive but our own kind of people
to greater
effect
Helping
Ennis 2020 –
Less Foreign Nationals
Building
New Population should not
expect dilution of town & Large volunteer
All ready multicultural – Co-operation
Volunteering enough integration*
feel population
Identity (less vanilla, more multicultural.)
In return for living here all (art, theatre, paint, dance, music) (cheap The theme of co-operation
should improve their behaviour rent, low walls, no hidden Travellers building has been visible
Create a better sense of community
throughout the previous sections
Working of this report. However, in
Better behaviour all
together / response to the question of how to
residents-particularly Working together Multi-cultural
ethnic groups
integration integration make Ennis more inclusive society
New Ennis flag to embrace a number of quite specific
Ennis 2020 – ‘cultural diversity’ suggestions were made. These
Better Traveller Celebrate included suggestions on how to
Attitudes Building cultural diversity
Behaviour Foreign people are stimulate the creation of
Co-operation quite included community structures and
community involvement, not least
Family values.
through encouraging higher levels
Initiate spring Encourage Clare active citizens networks and
clean local groups community based projects of volunteering. For some it also
Stimulating involved conscious efforts to
Start the process of inclusion Body to promote
Get people from community support integration and to address
in primary schools through inclusive society
deprived areas more attitudinal issues. However, for
learning about other cultures structures / Start community
involved in the
and student exchanges involvement groups in different others, further integration was not
community
areas in town More residents a priority, emphasis being placed
associations instead on adjusting / improving
“create the magic”
Get older people
involved Umbrella group behaviour, both amongst newly
representing all groups arriving groups and amongst the
Instill pride with the people Community forum
in the town. Give young people more responsibility town‟s Traveller population.
to live up to e.g Skateboard clubs run
Conference for
by themselves
volunteer groupsInclusive Ennis 2020
Celebrate other national days / weekends Festival of Food
Bring in other communities- east clare, west clare, north clare, to
Emphasis on network with each other within our town, ennis to welcome this Inclusive Ennis 2020:
Expand St Patrick to.
Smaller sports
Traditional and New
Meeting Opportunities
clubs-Including culture
non-nationals in Use sport as a medium for Support and encourage Interculturalism / Intercultural festivals
Community social interaction of kids
events/groups from all communities –
A key element of building an
parents follow kids World country-village days Food, dance, stories interviews inclusive community (ies) is
the creation of opportunities
RTE –take me home concept- Ennis citizen and cultural friend using to meet and engage with
Community film trips to visit friends country – ENNIS TO THE WORLD
Meeting events other residents / users of the
through sport Community events (monthly meeting for all community groups to town. Numerous suggestions
cross ref.) (shared social spaces, use abandoned buildings as social have been made on how such
Encourage inter-
spaces.) (should be insurance free.) (dance, song, arts
generational engagements could be
communication
Inclusive Ennis 2020: Emphasis on community activities that used to be big-The facilitated including the
Fostering Creating Opportunities fleadh, parade-more effort in community gatherings organisation of community
Make all buildings
accessible for disabled inclusion to Meet events ranging from food
Community Days Which Invite the Whole Community-Asking
people them What Community Means to Them, and Could they Make it
festivals to community days
More Inclusive? to a „Hug Day‟. The
potential for sports and the
A Hug Day arts to support inclusion and
Building peoples capacity to
participate needs “financial interaction has also been
Investment” and identification of highlighted. Finally, as well
barriers to participation
Share stories book plays and drama on as the creation of meeting
culture spaces, active efforts to
Removing remove barriers to
Meeting
barriers
through arts Use Glór-Community Centre-Advice Centre- participation and engagement
People need to really get to know For all Nationalities-Meet and Greet area were advocated.
each other and respect each Foreign people:
other requirement to learn
English so as to be in a Foreign cinema / plays / sculptures
position to integrateYou can also read
