Economic Development

Planning Permission was secured in 2020 and the Project was submitted under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund for construction of the scheme.

In early 2020, construction began at Ennis Fire Station on new Maintenance Facilities for the Fire Service, to enhance and improve the current arrangements for the servicing of a fleet of thirty-six vehicles, together with a variety of ancillary equipment. It is expected that this project will be completed in early 2021, with 100% capital funding being provided by the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage.

Climate change is one of the biggest risks facing our communities’ physical infrastructure and social fabric which makes County Clare such a unique place to live. The Council will continue to work with other government departments, state agencies, communities and stakeholders in terms of climate adaptation and mitigation to respond to challenges arising from Ireland’s changing climate. In particular, environmental sustainability and climate action will be considered by the Corporate Policy Group and all four Strategic Policy Committees. Clare County Council adopted a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy in 2019 and we will continue to work with the Climate Adaptation Regional Offices (CARO) to deliver the objectives of the strategy.

The Adopted Budget 2021 includes for the ongoing Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Irish Water. Clare County Council provides water services on behalf of the national water authority. The Budget includes provision for the expenditure associated with the operation of this agreement and for the recoupment of these costs from Irish Water.

Economic Development

The key focus of the Economic Directorate is the promotion and harnessing of the opportunities for economic development in the County. In particular, the focus is how we can facilitate a pro-active economic environment where businesses locate and grow and create sustainable employment to support our communities and enhance the economic value of County Clare.

Now more than ever, in the face of the economic impacts of COVID-19, Clare Count Council’s role in economic development is vital. Through our Local Enterprise Office, we continue to support our local economy and businesses across the county with grant funding, training and mentoring supports in helping them respond to COVID19. Furthermore, in 2020, an Economic Taskforce of public and private sector leaders was established to inform and guide appropriate economic measures that stimulate job creation in County Clare and build our future resilience in our local and regional economy.

Recognising the important role our largest urban centre, Ennis, plays as a key economic driver in the county and as outlined in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy has been finalised and is due 12