This article is from page 2 of the 2006-09-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
FURTHER concern has been expressed over the declining number of people living in the centre of Ennis.
The most recent census figures show that the population of Ennis grew by 7. 5 per cent in the period from 2002 to 2006, with the town now home to 10,305 people.
The areas of Ennis defined as rural also grew, in this case by 9.4 per cent.
However census figures also show that the core population has dropped by almost 20 per cent in the past 10 years with the town’s urban population now standing at 5,917 compared to 7,163 a decade ago.
According to Rita McInerney, Chief Executive Officer, Ennis Chamber of Commerce, the decline is a cause for concern.
“Certainly it is a concern and we have a committee together who are looking at the reasons why and seeing what recommendations can be made”.
Increased demand for commercial space is seen as one of the reasons for the fall in population and according to Mrs McInerney the town would benefit more from having an increased core population.
“The figures show there is a great demand for commercial space. It would certainly be better to have certain areas in the centre that were residential.
“The idea of having deserted streets is not ideal.
“ It is important there is a good mix of people in any town, and there are also benefits from a security point of view.”
Meanwhile, there have been calls to install a new lighting system near Clare Abbey.
Plans for a new link road to the Ennis bypass that would pass by the ancient abbey have been lodged with Clare County Council and at the September monthly Executive Meeting of Ennis Chamber of Commerce, one of the items discussed was the potential focus on Clare Abbey.
According to statement from the Chamber, “Clare Abbey will now be much more visible to motorists, both locals and visitors alike. Ennis Chamber believes this is an historic religious structure of high architectural value which should be revered.
“Therefore the chamber is calling on the Office of Public Works to develop a lighting plan in order to give Clare Abbey the attention it deserves.
This will ensure its role as a landmark symbol for Ennis, reflecting the rich heritage and culture the town has to offer.”