Losses to council could hit €8m
URGENT Government support is needed for Wexford County Council if it is to emerge from the corona pandemic with the financial clout to continue it make vital steps towards stimulating the local economy, according to council chairman Cllr Michael Sheehan.
Cllr Sheehan said several capital projects across the county have been stalled due to the restrictions imposed from Government to help limit the spread of the virus. These include work on the South West Greenway stretching from New Ross To Waterford and the advancement of two advance factories in New Ross, the Enniscorthy Technology Park, the Min Ryan Park, and the development of the Hatch Lab in Gorey.
Over €200m in spending was planned for the coming decade within the county – funded by a rates harmonisation policy approved by councillors and state support.
Cllr Sheehan said: ‘We had signed off on the economic programme which was a rolling programme over a multi-annual timeframe and is to include the technology park in Enniscorthy, Hatch Lab 2.0 in Gorey, the Min Ryan Park, Trinity Wharf, the New Ross and other greenways, two advance factories in New Ross or one large factory on top of other smaller projects in the town.’
The appointment of a tourism director of services to oversee the development of major tourism projects in Enniscorthy and New Ross is also planned.
A universal ticketing system for Hook Lighthouse, the Norman and Dunbrody experience in New Ross and the Irish National Heritage Park and other attractions is being worked out.
‘ The advance factory was working away nicely and we were expecting an announcement but when the coronavirus hit we went into lockdown. The Government needs to put a billion euro into local authorities for capital project countrywide that we, in Wexford, can apply for. Unlike other counties we have all of these projects on the shelf ready to go.’
Cllr Sheehan said: ‘We are in a prime position to apply. We are going to have to ramp up the economy and the only way is to boost the economy. In Co Wexford 1,760 people signed on for the Covid payment in four days. We have 18,000 extra on the dole and this week we may have more people let off depending on the Government restrictions.’
Cllr Sheehan said local authorities need to be funded to build houses, acknowledging that some projects will be delayed because of coronavirus.
‘Most of the projects we have are capital projects essential for the economy of the county.
‘Getting the factory in New Ross up and running may be more challenging if there is a global recession. We have spent the last couple of years getting our deficit down to a manageable level. If this carries on for four months we’ll be back to where we were a decade ago after the last recession.’
He said: ‘ The Government has said that any loss to LPT or any other revenues will be met by central Government but they haven’t said how or when. I’m sure we will get money back for losses on business rates as we are going to have to stop business rates for a load of businesses for the next six to 12 months. We may have to start again next year and the Government are going to have to start pumping money into these businesses. If we are losing the bones of €2m a month in LPT, rates, rent and parking and this lasts four months you’re talking an €8m loss in revenue.’
Micro finance loans and grants will be needed to assist the businesses, he added; otherwise it would be very easy for some businesses to shut their doors once restrictions are lifted, he added.
‘A lot of people will be scratching their heads, saying “I was barely able to survive before. How can I survive now, paying bills and staff?” Interest free loans may be needed.’
He suggested having another Gathering event to bring tens of thousands of tourists into the country next year.
‘People have been cooped up for the past month now so we need to do something to prime the pump.’