Green light given for busy Clare town's transport future

CONTRACTS in relation to transport routes have been signed for a busy Clare town.

Clare County Council has signed a contract with engineering firm SYSTRA Ltd for the delivery of the Ennis Local Transport Plan.

The Plan will guide funding for future transportation projects across Ennis and surrounding areas, including road, cycle, and pedestrian infrastructure. An area based transport assessment has also been undertaken.

Council plans to install 'speed humps' on busy Ennis road

Both the assessment and plan to determine the future of Ennis’ transport infrastructure is Funded under the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Active Travel Investment Programme.

Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly said the involvement of the public in the development of the Plan is central to the plan-making process: “The development of this plan is extremely important for everyone who lives in and visits Ennis. 

“I would urge the public and my colleagues on Clare County Council to participate and help inform how our town develops in the year ahead. A thriving county town benefits the entire county, so it’s key that we plan for the future in a way that attracts input from everyone.”

Carmel Kirby, Director of Economic Development and Ennis Municipal District (MD), Clare County Council, said all future transportation projects will be dependent on Ennis having a Local Transport Plan (LTP).

“The Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA) will be a transportation strategy for the development of the town. This should give a clear understanding of the existing space at hand and uses, transport conditions and constraints relating to Ennis.”

Ms Kirby said there will be several occasions during the plan-making process where consultation will be carried out to obtain opinions of the Ennis Councillors and the public.

The delivery of the Ennis Area Based Transport Assessment and Local Transport Plan will be carried out over the next year.