“Rural Ireland and in particular the areas outside our main towns is dying on its feet and unless urgent action is taken immediately the whole retail sector will close in its entirety”, according to the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Joe Mellett.
The Cathaoirleach has always predicted that grants would in the future be made available to open pubs and shops in rural Ireland. He is now requesting that this date be brought forward as every month sees the shutters coming down on yet another business. In order to qualify for such a grant he suggests that the pub would also be required to sell basic grocery items including stamps and have a room available which would double as a community centre / meeting place. He also suggests that this venue would be exempt from all rates.
Cllr Mellett appreciates that we are in tough economic times and that the necessary funding might not be easy to find but perhaps the new Leader group would support his proposal.
