Unless the high rents being paid by Galway businesses are reduced “immediately”, more businesses will close down, resulting in job losses and further increases to the Live Register.
This is the view of Sinn Féin Galway City West candidate Tom Hanley. He said research carried out recently by Retail Excellence Ireland on behalf of its members shows that many businesses are seeking a reduction in rent with their landlords.
“The majority of landlords have begun implementing rent reviews with their tenants,” he said. “However, a worrying fact is that nearly 40 per cent of retail park landlords are not interested in negotiating and have threatened tenants future legal action if any rent agreement is not adhered too.”
Mr Hanley said this is “a counterproductive activity “ which will see “businesses closing down”. He said it is “unfair that these unscrupulous landlords” who received a “considerable amount of tax relief during the Celtic Tiger” will now not offer similar treatment to their loyal tenants.
