While the corporate chapter of the Ennis story is usually highlighted in the press releases, more interesting still are the manifold ways that technology has affected ordinary citizens of the town. Take John O' Connor, for example, one of the partners in Custy's Traditional Music Shop. The site enjoys a growing trade, particularly from foreign markets such as Japan and the U.S., and a Japanese-language version is planned. Rebecca Hogan is another local who reaped a digital dividend from the wiring of Ennis. Ever conscious of the digital divide, the Ennis project promoters have taken steps to target sectors of society that are often alienated by new technology.
Senior citizens are a case in point.
In a novel move, a local college developed a program using student volunteers to teach IT skills to the town's older residents, some of whom are now studying for their European Computer Driving License, a certificate of basic computer skills. While the Ennis story is undoubtedly an impressive parable of the enabling possibilities of technology, not all of the experiments have been an unqualified success. A trial use of Visa Cash, which allowed people to pay for low-cost items using a credit card, met with limited enthusiasm from business people and residents. Ennis also learned that every boom has its downside. It is now Europe's fastest-growing economy, with record growth rates and low unemployment.