Ennis initiative to trade out of crisis

THE closure of 13 businesses in Clare’s county town, in addition to 70 vacant units, has led to a new Ennis initiative to help it “trade out of the recession”.

As part of an initiative to kick-start the local economy, members of the Ennis Business Forum met with Clare’s four TDs this week.

The business forum is determined to have Clare as one of the “first counties to come out of recession”.

The chief executive of Ennis Chamber of Commerce, Rita McInerney confirmed yesterday 13 businesses have closed since the start of the year.

However, she noted: “We also had a significant number of businesses open just before Christmas and into the New Year, including Eilis Hair Design, Venus Clothing, Inside, Zeus, and more.

“Plus, we believe that two new stores are opening in the town centre in the coming weeks.”

Ms McInerney said some of the 70 vacant businesses “would never have been occupied since construction”.

Some chamber members, she said, told her they are closing because of the increased cost of doing business; regulations in terms of doing business; reduction in footfall along with the reduction in sales and spending power confidence of customers.

Ms McInerney said Ennis Town Council should reduce or give a six-month amnesty on commercial rates, development levies and water /waste rates.

Ms McInerney added that the town council should also offer incentive packages and supports in rates, information, facilities and the fast-tracking of planning to permit businesses to establish in Ennis.