Moore Street to benefit from fund

A Shop Front Assistance Fund, aimed at helping to further improve the appearance of Moore Street in Kilrush, is to be launched in the near future. The street re-opened before Christmas following extensive road maintenance work.
Kilrush town manager Nora Kaye told last Thursday’s meeting of the town council that she had held a meeting with Shannon Development and agreement had been reached on the establishment of the fund, which could be used by successful applicants to help fit out a new or existing business.
“A scheme will be drafted and the Chamber of Commerce will be invited to participate as well,” Ms Kaye explained.
Councillor Marian McMahon Jones asked to see the proposal on paper and suggested the council talk with business people and vacant building owners in Moore Street. She also told the meeting that a Kilrush-based accountant has offered six months’ free advice to new businesses on the street.
Councillor Liam O’Looney asked that the scheme be broadened to include Henry Street while Mayor of Kilrush Ian Lynch underlined the need to implement the proposed scheme immediately.
“We need to get this up and running and drive it forward. If we lose any more shops in town, people won’t shop here at all,” he warned.
Town clerk John Corry revealed he had written to Finance Minister Michael Noonan asking that the now defunct Urban Renewal Schemes be reactivated.
Meanwhile, on a similar note, Councillor Tom Prendeville proposed a motion that Moore Street should seek urban renewal status to help attract entrepreneurs to set up business in the vacant premises on the street.
“Property owners are prepared to offer premises on reduced rents if this will attract business-minded individuals into the street,” he informed the meeting.
“It is in this council’s interest to encourage and facilitate a socially, economically and commercially regenerated Moore Street.
“Perhaps this council might write to the Minister for the Environment to bring forward a small towns Urban Renewal Scheme that would be welcomed by the construction industry and kickstart economic activity in areas far too long blighted by dilapidated, vacant premises,” he added.