FAQ’s

There are some misconceptions in relation to the structure and purpose of Ennis 2040 which we would like to clarify as follows:

Structure Overview:

• Ennis 2040 DAC is 100% owned and led by Clare County Council, ensuring accountability and alignment with community interests.
• Our board comprises public and private sector leaders nominated by the Chief Executive of Clare County Council, bringing diverse expertise to the table.

Our Constitution:

• Our mandate is clear: promote economic, social, and environmental improvement for Ennis town and its environs.
• We engage in development and regeneration projects, consult with stakeholders, and prioritize collaboration for the greater good.
• Ennis 2040 DAC operates on a ‘Not for Profit’ basis, focusing solely on initiatives conducive to our objectives and the community’s well-being.

Role in Development:

Our primary objective is to champion the long-term development of Ennis in line with the 2040 Economic & Spatial Strategy.

We lead on integrated approaches to town centre regeneration and growth to foster sustainable economic activity.

Ennis 2040 DAC is dedicated to delivering projects that benefit the community, boost local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Transparent and Accountable:

We understand the importance of transparency and accountability. Ennis 2040 DAC operates with integrity, ensuring all decisions are made in the best interests of the community.

We welcome constructive dialogue and encourage stakeholders to continue engage with us during each public consultation process.

Extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement were integral to shaping the Ennis 2040 Strategy for Ennis’s future.

From the outset, Clare County Council prioritised hearing from every voice in the community, including residents, businesses, and organizations. Your input helped shape the Ennis 2040 Strategy to reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of our town

From 2018 to 2020 during development of the Ennis 2040 Economic & Spatial Strategy extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement was held with local communities, businesses and locally elected Councillors.

An Ennis 2040 Steering Group was formed from Clare County Council Chief Executive, Directors, the President of the Ennis Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor of Ennis (Chair) and other key stakeholders.  This group in consultation with business leaders developed the vision, objectives and goals of the Ennis 2040 Economic & Spatial Strategy.

Presentations and submissions were invited from the local community, businesses, business organisations and the Public Participation Network.  The feedback and the information received helped inform the proposals which were incorporated into the Strategy.  This draft Strategy then underwent two public consultation sessions, whereby the public were informed on Ennis 2040 progress and feedback on the initial proposals was received.  A targetted stakeholder workshop was also held with members of the wider Ennis Business Community with over 90 people attending.

The Public consultation sessions provided opportunities for feedback and discussion on the initial proposals and helped yield:

• A comprehensive spatial and economic strategy aligned with community needs.
• Early identification of trends and challenges, ensuring proactive planning.
• Ownership of the strategy by all stakeholder groups and the wider community.
• Integration of Ennis 2040 into the Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029, setting a foundation for future initiatives.

We thank everyone who contributed (and continue to contribute) their time, insights, and enthusiasm to the development of the Ennis 2040 Strategy. Together, we’re building a brighter future for Ennis!

An investment of €15 million is envisaged for the Abbey Riverside development – the focus of which is to icnrease town centre footfall by developing business and retail opporutnities that will complement the town’s existing offering.  The development will see the delivery of the first corporate headquartes for the town centre and an anchor retail store of scale, public plaza and riverside boardwalk.

An Economic Impact Assessment conducted by independent consultants, AECOM Ireland Ltd, envisages a return on investment after 6 years through additional income generated.  In addition, it is anticipated 142 permanent jobs will be created.  Furthermore the investment will see significant enhancements to the surrounding public realm and a new riverside boardwalk lining to adjacent Harveys Quay and the Post Office Field sites.

Ennis 2040 DAC is 100% owned by Clare County Council.

• Clare County Council nominates the directors to the company. The board is made of Three County Councillors, Two Directors of Service and Three private sector Directors.
• Directors of the company are not paid and receive no compensation for their time, this is an altruistic endeavour by the directors who would like to see the development of Ennis.

• Full and comprehensive public consultation will take place when draft Master Plans for each development are available.

Flood walls will not be touched or interfered with in any way.

• Currently 60% of parking spaces in Abbey Street are taken up with business owners permits and the remainder is largely taken up with staff parking.
• While the Ennis 2040 Economic & Spatial Strategy identified the potential for a Mixed Use development at the site, the existing use of Abbey Street as a public car park will continue for the foreseeable future.
• 150 new spaces received planning in the Cloister Car Park which is a very short walk away.
• The total number of public car parking spaces in Ennis currently lies at 2,923. This figure is expected to exceed 3,000 later this year.
• There is currently 1 parking space for every 13 people living in Ennis. To put this into context, Waterford City has 1 parking space for every 29 people. Navan – a town not dissimilar in size and population to Ennis – has 1 parking space for every 24 people.

• A minimum of 142 permanent jobs will be created through the development of the site.
• The addition of an anchor retailer will attract a potential increase in footfall of up to 20,000 people per week to Ennis Town Centre.
• The office element of the Abbey Riverside Development is designed to attract a regional Headquarters operation into the town centre creating approximately 50+ jobs.
• The development will seek to re-connect the site into its surrounding urban fabric so it can function as a logical extension of a thriving town centre
• Substantial investment into the facilities and public realm in the Abbey Riverside area.