At a recent Fianna Fáil meeting in Claremorris Councillor Pat McHugh stated that Claremorris is in a good position to face difficult times.
Cllr McHugh has said that sustained investment in Claremorris during the economic boom has placed the town in a good position to see out the difficult times ahead.
Acknowledging the current economic situation, Cllr McHugh said that there has been a rapid slowdown in the global economy arising from the turbulence in global financial markets and the credit squeeze, exchange rate shifts and faltering economic growth in the major economies. He explained that Ireland’s exposure to these international factors is greater than for many other economies. The greatest challenge right now is to manage the economy through this international downturn, which is likely to continue for some time yet.
Commenting on the position of Claremorris in the context of the current situation, Cllr McHugh pointed out that, while the town would indeed be exposed to some of the effects of this global and national downturn, certain key investments and developments that had taken place over the past number of years have ensured that the community should continue to prosper.
Paying compliment to the local business community, Cllr McHugh commented that during the past number of years the business people of Claremorris had maximised the opportunities afforded by the Celtic Tiger, to the benefit of both business and the community at large. He said that the business community has successively lobbied and pressed hard for a variety of key investments and developments and that the local representatives in turn have been keen to respond in a spirit of enthusiasm and co-operation.
Cllr McHugh believes that the years of economic progress have been good to Claremorris and that the local councillors have endeavoured at all times to direct as much funding and investment as possible in the direction of the town.
He cited a number of key developments that have taken place such as the bypass, water and sewerage infrastructure, ducting in place to facilitate gas and broadband when available, and dtax designation for the town. The whole physical face of the town has been changed as a result, the new swimming pool, car parking facilities upgraded as a result of a €3.5 million spend, refurbishment of the streets of the town, etc.
