Coast shops deserve grant assistance

BUSINESSES in the Laytown (pictured) Bettystown area should be allowed apply for a shopfront enhancement scheme because the area provides the county with the second highest amount of commercial rates in Meath.

‘It is important to show fairness in the county and recognise the businesses. This will benefit everyone.’ she stated.

She applauded the likes of the award winning Lime Kiln who have ‘done a fantastic job’ but some of the older businesses can’t afford to make upgrades.

However, the recent area council meeting saw her proposals fail to gain sufficient support.

She had called for a shopfront improvement scheme to be included in the 2018 budget, but the council said there was no budget for it.

‘I think it is important that we give support to businesses and help them to make improvements,’ she stated.

Cllr Sharon Keogan said the council should call on the government to do it and it wasn’t the council’s role to provide such a scheme.

Cllr Tom Kelly added that there was a tax allowance to improve premises and that could be looked at. ‘I don’t think the taxpayer should have to pay for it. It should be a national issue.’

Cllr Paddy Meade also felt it was ‘ hard to justify’ the council paying for such a scheme.

Director of Services Fiona Lawless said the Economic Development Unit could explore it but there was ‘nothing in the budget’ for it.