THE CHALLENGES FACING FERMOY
TOWN COUNCILLORS MEET TO DISCUSS FUTURE
An ad hoc group made up of all nine councillors on Fermoy Town Council met this week to discuss the future of Fermoy and the issues and difficulties facing the north Cork town.
The atmosphere at the meeting, from which the press was precluded, was described as ‘convivial’ and ‘progressive’ and there were reports of ‘a frank exchange of views’ on a number of issues relating to the future of Fermoy.
The following statement was released to The Avondhu by the Mayor of Fermoy, Cllr Pa O’Driscoll after the meeting: “Fermoy is suffering from the deepest recession this country has experienced. Added to this are the necessary works being undertaken to protect the town from flooding in the future, and street improvement works on MacCurtain Street.
"In the past number of years a number of prominent shop fronts have become vacant, and existing retailers and businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to attract and maintain business".
CAR PARKING
‘There are a number of issues that have been raised by individual retailers and members of the public in the media and directly to councillors. These include car parking, rates, development levies, ongoing road works, the image of Fermoy, and the role of the business community.
'These and other issues are all important, and, while no one change will bring about the effect of improving footfall in Fermoy a change in a range of policies can make a difference’.
NEW BEGINNING NEEDED
‘All nine members of Fermoy Town Council met on Tuesday night to discuss the future of Fermoy in light of the difficulties being experienced. There was unanimous agreement that for progress to be made a new beginning is needed.
'We, as a council, are willing to explore all avenues and work will all groups and individuals in Fermoy to put in place a strategy that will improve the image and economy of Fermoy.
'There is a genuine desire among the full council to work collectively, and an acknowledgement that as a council we will play our part. The statutory functions and powers that we have will be used but that can only be part of the process’.
WORK TOGETHER
‘There is a need for all stakeholders to come together. All concerns, ideas and initiatives need to be discussed and progressed as a community. In two weeks the nine councillors will be meeting to follow up on our discussions and ideas from this week.
'We hope those involved in retail and business in Fermoy, and all those with ideas on the future of the town will come forward collectively and work with us for the benefit of Fermoy’.
Published:
Thursday 30th September 6:22pm
