Town manager of Westport Peter Hynes has recommended in his Manager’s Report and draft budget for 2010 that members of Westport Town Council adopt a proposal for a a reduction in the rates on commercial and industrial property, setting it at 66.42, a reduction of 0.08 on the current rate of 66.50.
Five key objectives are outlined in the budget: “To consolidate Westport’s position as a desirable visitor destination and to continue to provide high quality services to the people and the businesses of Westport in an efficient, cost effective and customer friendly manner; to position Westport to avail of the opportunities for capital investment which will arise, particularly in the area of Tourism Development and Promotion, Sustainable Travel, and the Smart Economy during 2010; to continue to promote general development and specific projects in the spheres of commerce, enterprise and arts and culture, in partnership with the statutory bodies and voluntary organisations within Westport, in as far as resources allow; to support, by direct investment, a series of projects which will entail significant capital investment in Westport and which will act as a direct stimulus for economic activity in 2010 and to support business activity in both the commercial and retail sectors, and to continue support for marketing and promotion of significant festivals and events including Gaelforce.”
Councillors will discuss the proposed budget at a meeting to be held on Thursday January 14.
