by Alan Jacques
MAYOR Kevin Sheahan has blasted Limerick City and County Council, claiming they have ignored his native Askeaton for “far too long”.
Speaking at this Tuesday’s monthly Adare-Rathkeale municipal district meeting, the Fianna Fail politician complained that Askeaton was not included in a proposal by the local authority to extend its existing business and retail incentive for vacant property in Limerick city centre, Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock, Newcastle West and Rathkeale.
The scheme, which runs until the end of 2016, incentivises the occupation of vacant retail and business units in city and town centres through the provision of grant aid. Over two years, the scheme provides grant relief for occupation of vacant premises with business and high order retail type uses including fashion outlets.
As a result, an estimated €4 million has been invested in Limerick and close to 400 jobs have been created.
Expressing disappointment that Askeaton was not included in the scheme, the Mayor pointed out that the town is home to Wyeth and Aughinish, the two biggest employers and rate payers in the region.
“Without the rates from Aughinish and Wyeth, we’d be a very small council. They pay everyone’s wages. From my point of view, the town is being ignored,” Cllr Sheahan told the council executive.
“We have failed Askeaton for the last 40 years. We don’t even have a proper sewerage system. If we don’t recognise the area that gives the money, we’re own whistling Dixie and wasting our time,” he said.
Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary seconded a motion by Cllr Sheahan to have Askeaton included in the business and retail incentive scheme.
However, senior planner Gerry Sheeran pointed out that the scheme would become “diluted” if it was now stretched beyond the core retail area of city and town centres. He advised council members to review the scheme in six months time before going “all over the place”.
Cllr Sheahan replied, “I reject that advice and I’m not budging an inch. I’m sticking to my guns.”
Director of Adare-Rathkeale municipal district, Tom Gilligan, said the scheme could be reviewed in six months. Mr Gilligan also said he was not happy with Cllr Sheahan’s tone while addressing local authority staff at the meeting.
“You appear to be barking at staff,” said Mr Gilligan.
“If I barked, I apologise for it. I spoke in a loud voice to get my point across as it appears to be ignored,” he replied.
