Ennis Town Council today announced a series of incentives aimed at attracting shoppers to the Clare County capital in the run up to Christmas.Free car parking will be provided on Saturday 12th and 19th December while festive street entertainment will take place throughout the town centre on the afternoon of Saturday 19th. The initiatives complement last week’s announcement by the Council that Abbey Street, O’Connell Square and O’Connell Street will be pedestrianised on Saturday 12th, and 19th, Sunday 20th and on Christmas Eve 24th December.
Councillor Frankie Neylon, Mayor of Ennis said the Council was keen to support local businesses and promote the town as a unique shopping destination.
He explained: “The key message being promoted by the Council is that Ennis is very much open for business despite the recent serious flooding that hit the town and, of course, the devastating impact that the economic downturn has had on retailers throughout Clare. I believe that by organising street entertainment, in tandem with the introduction of free car parking, pedestrianisation and an impressive Christmas lighting scheme, Ennis Town Councill will be helping to create a festive atmosphere and enhance the overall shopping experience.”
“People must realise that trains on the Ennis to Limerick line work both ways and that we should be doing our utmost to attract day shoppers from Limerick City and the wider region. Ennis, like many other towns throughout Ireland, has had to contend with various problems but we now need to move forward, be positive and get the message out that the town is up and running and open for business. The Council also wishes to remind shoppers that by supporting local businesses they are helping to sustain employment within the community”, added Mayor Neylon.
Ennis Brass Band and the Ennis Gospel Choir are among the musical acts scheduled to perform in O’Connell Square on Saturday 19th. The festive musical entertainment will be accompanied by street entertainment throughout the town centre.
Free Parking will be provided on Dec 12th and 19th at locations including Abbey Street Carpark, Parnell Street Carpark and Friary Lane. Motorists are advised that normal car parking restrictions will remain in place elsewhere throughout the town.
Meanwhile, Ennis Town Council, supported by Marian Athletic Club and the RNLI, has confirmed that the 13th Christmas Turkey Trot will be held on St Stephens Day, leaving Waterpark House in Drumbiggle at 12 noon. The annual event, which is being sponsored by McDonalds, is open to walkers, runners and cyclists. Funds raised this year will be distributed to local charitable and voluntary organisations.
For further details on festive street entertainment, free car parking, pedestrianisation and Christmas lighting in Ennis see www.ennistowncouncil.ie
