Fears town could lose out
The concerns of town centre traders that Dundalk could lose out to those seeking cheap ‘ booze and biscuits’ were put to An Taoiseach Enda Kenny by BIDS Manager Mr Martin McElligott.
He outlined that while Dundalk is still very competitive, the danger is that it could lose out as shoppers cross the border in search of bargain groceries.
‘It’s booze and biscuits which drive that demand even though we are very, very competitive across a wide range of offerings including clothing, shoes, make-up etc.’
‘Retail is growing in Dundalk and for the first time in a very long time, as soon as a shop closes, there are other businesspeople lining up to get in there.’
The need to address the commercial rate was also highlighted by Mr McElligott.
He urged that the plan to re-evaluate Dundalk’s rates be moved forward from 2020 as this would provide traders with a welcome break.
‘Part of the problem is that Louth County Council is too heavily dependant on rates and underfunded from other sources so this needs to be addressed so that the local authority has room to manoeuvre,’ he said.
The issue of rates affected not just existing traders but the ability of the town to attract new businesses to open up here.
‘Dundalk is seen as a growth area and while rents have come down, the rates are still high,’ he said and this was a deterrent to companies expanding into the town.