Ennistymon public realm works spark calls for paint scheme - Clare Echo

A PAINT scheme for homes and businesses affected by public realm works in Ennistymon is to be explored by Clare County Council as part of the 2027 Budget process.

*Ennistymon public realm works in May 2026 || Photograph: Páraic McMahon

The proposal was brought forward by Ennistymon councillor Shane Talty (FF) at the September meeting of the West Clare Municipal District.

Cllr Talty called for funding to be provided for a paint scheme for homes and businesses on streets affected by the current public realm works.

He also asked that similar schemes be considered alongside all future significant public realm projects undertaken by the council.

In a written response, A/Senior Engineer Paddy Tiernan said he would engage with the Finance Department and relevant stakeholders to explore funding for the scheme.

He said any proposal would be subject to budgetary considerations and the Budget 2027 process.

The council would also need to determine the scale and scope of the scheme, including eligibility criteria for residential and commercial properties and the geographical area covered.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Talty welcomed the ongoing public realm works in Ennistymon, which began earlier this year and are expected to be completed around Christmas.

He said the works had brought improvements including upgraded footpaths and undergrounding of cables and culverts.

Cllr Talty said tensions had been high during the works but that Parliament Street was now largely open, with attention turning to the Square.

He said the finished product had received “universal praise”, but raised concerns about the final road reinstatement.

Cllr Talty said he wanted the affected roads to be fully resurfaced rather than left with “patchwork” following the works and argued that road reinstatement should be built into public realm projects.

Turning to the proposed paint scheme, Cllr Talty said it would not be required until next year but could help businesses enhance the appearance of the street following the disruption caused by the works.

He said the scheme should be “built into the project” and not arise from “an outpour of anger from businesses.”

Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) supported the proposal and said people were delighted to see the public realm works nearing completion.

He said dust from works such as cutting blocks and bricks had affected properties and businesses.

Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) also supported the motion and praised investment in Ennistymon in recent years.

He said the town should “keep investing and bring to top level”.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) supported the proposal.

He said Ennistymon had grown significantly over the past 10 to 15 years and that there was an opportunity to learn from the town’s development.

Cllr Shannon said the town’s small businesses had to compete with larger “multinational” retailers and that investment in the town centre could support the local economy.

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