Retailers struggling in Waterford

In City Hall last week, a local councillor called for additional supports for local retailers.

Cllr Joe O’Riordan, who has been outspoken about the difficulties facing local retailers in his hometown of Dungarvan and across Waterford, asked for plans from the council.

"It would seem that retail business are very much at the base of the pyramid as far as the council goes" he said.

"My town has had six retail business close in the last few years for a variety of reasons. Have we any plans to listen to retailers and their concerns, and engage in a dedicated constructive plan, to engage, support and actively aid retail businesses, outside of the grant systems which appear to have little take up."

Michael Quinn, Director of Services with Waterford Council, responded: "We have the most generous support scheme that we’ve been able to identity in Ireland for retail businesses. An awful lot of our investment is about trying to animate the city, to have things on around the city that people can come in for."

(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)