Ennis Chamber fears retail zoning will cause ‘doughnut effect’

THE chief executive of Ennis Chamber of Commerce, Rita McInerney, has expressed concern over the “doughnut effect” in the town due to the negative impact of out-of-town retail centres.

Her comments came after planners with Clare County Council warned a last-minute amendment by councillors on retailing in the greater Ennis development plan may deter, small and medium enterprises being set up locally.

As part of a variation to the plan, councillors insisted that a large site on the outskirts of Ennis would be zoned for a district centre or a large food store.