Plan Published To Help Restore Irish Towns

A plan is being published today which sets out comprehensive measures that can be implemented to help restore economic activity and job creation in towns across Ireland.

Fianna Fáil has engaged in detailed consultation on 'Streets Ahead: Fighting for the Future of Irish Towns', and believes it recognises the importance of towns in underpinning economic growth, community development and sustainable job creation.

Among the proposals set out in the policy document are the establishment of a new specialist unit within the IDA and Enterprise Ireland unit for rural town foreign direct investment, revamping the commercial rates system, changing planning laws to encourage town centre developments and an 'Empty Shops Initiative' which would examine building usage strategy.


Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen commented: "After four years in office it is clear that Irish towns are not a priority for Fine Gael and Labour unless they can target them for more cuts or cheap PR stunts. We believe in the future of Irish towns and the positive role they can play in bringing about balanced, sustainable job creation and investment. We recognise their absolute centrality to sustainable regional development. We want a strong, vibrant network of towns at the heart of our communities, learning from each other and competing for new business.

"62% of the population of Ireland now lives in urban areas compared to just 42% in 1951. Traditionally Ireland was a more rural country but that is changing and we need to meet the challenges that brings. However, despite these population rises, Irish towns are facing a grave challenge to their position as hubs of activity. Spiralling vacancy rates scar main streets; anti-social behaviour intimidates ordinary people from enjoying their streets while poor planning robs the areas of vitality. We will reform commercial rates, placing a surcharge on out-of-town centre businesses to re-balance the system toward small and town centre retailers. We want to look at the whole area of building usage and implement an 'Empty Shops Initiative', abolish upward only rent reviews and have new cultural initiatives in place to keep main streets busy."

(CD/MH)