Athlone Chamber made a presentation to Athlone Town Council this week explaining its work, proposals to deal with vacant businesses, while also looking for a 5 per cent rate reduction for its members.
Speaking to the council at its November meeting, chamber president, Michael O’Brien, said it was time for the council to “get with the programme” and make a 5 per cent reduction in commercial rates in 2012.
Mr O’Brien made the presentation on behalf of Athlone Chamber members along with chamber CEO Siobhan Bigley and vice-president John McGrath. The chamber president opened the presentation by explaining the work and role of the chamber in the town including ideas for enhancing shop fronts of businesses that have closed down.
Their empty premises strategy has several medium- and long-term solutions to the growing problem of empty shop fronts in the town. Such solutions include a standarised poster design for the empty shop window; the display of craft and art pieces; and indoor farmers markets.
While making the presentation Mr O’Brien also requested that the council investigate the possibility of reducing commercial rates by 5 per cent.
He explained that the last couple of years had been tough on businesses who had been forced to cut salaries and jobs, and even reduce prices in order to stay going.
Mayor Alan Shaw thanked the chamber for their presentation saying the three members were a credit to their members. However there was no immediate decision made on a rate reducation for businesses with all members of the council explaining that such a reduction in the council’s income would result in a lot of projects being cancelled.
Councillor Aengus O’Rourke proposed a working group be formed between the council and the chamber to develop a joint action plan. “By putting our heads together both organisations, which are already stretched when it comes to resources, can support one another. I’ve never been one for cutting rates as a token. I’m more interested in giving value for money when it comes to rates,” added Cllr O’Rourke.
