Ennistymon has completed its improvements under the €500,000 Destination Towns initiative.
A total of 31 towns across the country have been allocated funding through Fáilte Ireland Destination Towns scheme totalling €15.5m. The selected towns were: Athlone, Bantry, Belmullet, Birr, Boyle, Bundoran, Carlow town, Carrick-on-Shannon, Cashel, Cavan town, Clifden, Cork city, Drogheda, Dublin Docklands, Dun Laoghaire, Enniscrone, Ennistymon, Galway city, Kildare town, Kilkenny, Limerick city, Longford town, Lucan, Monaghan town, New Ross, Portlaoise, Skerries, Tralee, Trim, Waterford city and Wicklow town.
The project is designed to enhance the public realm and improve the visitor experience in this North Clare town. The Local Authority also contributed an additional 25pc in matching funds for the project.
Improvements under the capital project, which began in early 2021, included enhancing the visual appeal of the town, emphasising heritage, making it more accessible for pedestrians, creating gathering areas for social interaction, introducing accessible street furniture, improving pedestrian crossings, installing bicycle racks, planting street trees, and enhancing overall accessibility throughout the town.
By widening footpaths, new public spaces were created to encourage outdoor activities, street cafés, and more opportunities for markets and fairs.
Additional completed works included the installation of high-quality street lighting on Church Hill, Parliament Street, and the Square. Cllr. Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, described the Destination Towns initiative as a transformative project for Ennistymon. He emphasized that the completion of these works solidifies the town’s reputation as a vibrant commercial and tourist centre, benefiting not only Ennistymon but also the economy of the surrounding area.
Leonard Cleary, Director of Tourism Development and the West Clare Municipal District, explained that the primary objective of the Destination Towns scheme is to encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more, and fully immerse themselves in the history, heritage, and culture of Ennistymon. Cleary stressed the importance of collaboration with key stakeholders, including elected members, Fáilte Ireland, and local communities, to unlock the tourism potential of towns and villages across the county.
Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way for Fáilte Ireland, highlighted their commitment to sustainable tourism development in Ireland. Fáilte Ireland strives to expand the number of appealing destinations offering compelling visitor experiences, thereby promoting regional tourism. Kennedy acknowledged the positive impact of Fáilte Ireland’s partnership with Clare County Council through the Destination Towns scheme, specifically in enhancing Ennistymon’s attractiveness as a tourist destination. By bringing the town’s unique history and heritage to life, improving pedestrian movement and accessibility, visitors are encouraged to stay longer, spend more, and engage in local activities and culture.
PJ Carmody, Project Manager and Senior Executive Technician at Clare County Council, noted that the project shifted Ennistymon from being merely a transit zone to becoming a desirable destination where visitors are enticed to stay longer and immerse themselves in the local culture and attractions. Carmody praised the invaluable contributions of the Elected Members of West Clare MD, local businesses, and the wider community in shaping the project’s design and scope. The positive reception of the completed works is a testament to the dedication and efforts of the contractors and West Clare MD staff.
