Ennis Public Realm Regeneration Project
The Ennis Public Realm Regeneration Project included the upgrading and remodelling of various streets and laneways in Ennis Town Centre. These works involved new surface water channels and gullies connected to existing sewers, Street Remodelling Works comprising road re-construction, footpath and paved areas re-construction, traffic calming, street lighting, street furniture, ducting for service installations, tree and shrub landscaping and ancillary works. Ennis is the first Irish town to be accredited with the Purple Flag, an international accreditation, this project enhanced even further the town centre for both day and night time uses while ensuring these standards were retained.
The project site is a live streetscape with both trafficked and pedestrianised areas present, with numerous commercial and residential properties accessed from the site areas.
With the main throughfare being Parnell Street, a narrow winding pedestrian thoroughfare, indented with laneways and bow-ways dating back to the early 17th century, and includes late Mediaeval structures found throughout the historic core of Ennis. Each Phase was therefore centred around a section of this busy town artery, with site areas moved strategically per phase, enabling continued access and egress for residents & businesses.
The upgrade of the public realm in Ennis has been a longstanding objective of Clare County Council with the Parnell Street and Laneways project, representing significant investment for the town. The result is a safer and more attractive pedestrian environment and spaces that also have a civic function, facilitating the Town Centre as a destination, by improving its vitality and enabling Ennis to capitalise on its assets.
