‘Inexplicable’ as Louth not border county
OCTOBER 1988
JIM O’Callaghan describes as ‘inexplicable’ a decision by Environment Minister Pádraig Flynn to relegate Louth as a border county.
‘Especially as it comes on the heels of very poor allocations from the National Lottery,’ he adds.
He is speaking in his capacity as president of Dundalk chamber of commerce at the organisation’s annual dinner dance in Ballymascanlon Hotel.
Mr O’Callaghan also expresses concern at the high level of unemployment in the town.
‘Sadly, most of our young people, including those with degrees, are now emigrating to enrich countries like England, Germany and the USA.’
He speaks out against a continued procession of goods, oil and petrol from across the border.
‘I would sincerely ask anybody offered home heating oil at 20% below normal cost to ask questions as it its origin.
‘We are all making our living from Dundalk and therefore we should support the retail and services sector of our town.’
He praises the progress of Glen Dimplex and expresses a hope that the projected expansion of the company in Dunleer would yield significant spin-off benefits for Dundalk.
The chamber is promoting tourism by examining the feasibility of creating a transport museum in Dundalk.
The president thanks the companies who give generous financial support to the chamber and the Dundalk Enterprise Development Company.
‘We must all ensure the enterprise brochure ends up in the hands of anybody who might influence investment here.’
To mark the 125th year in business of Macardle Moore, a presentation is made to head brewer, Arthur Bingham.
The brewery, PJ Carroll & Co. and HF & J McCann, are original signatories of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, first registered in 1892, still in business.