12 December 2012: Limerick Chamber has welcomed the proposal by the new Limerick Authority’s CEO Conn Murray in his annual draft budget for 2013 for the commercial rates multiplier to be cut by 5% for businesses in the city.
Speaking about the proposal, Limerick Chamber CEO Maria Kelly said:
“A 5% reduction in commercial rates will give a clear signal to existing and potential investors that Limerick is a competitive location in which to do business. Cost containment and reductions are the key priorities for all businesses and this proposed rate reduction will help stabilise struggling businesses locally – the community that will fund, via commercial rates and water charges, almost 50 per cent of total City Council expenditure in 2013.”
“In times of tough financial constraints with pressures to deliver better services for less money, we thank the new manager for taking this step. His ability to propose this reduction highlights the key role national government plays in providing adequate funding to Local Authorities.”
“It also indicates that our new authority and management are serious about supporting business in the city. A strong vibrant city will drive and support economic growth for the entire greater Limerick region. In this regard, we must acknowledge the great work being done by the County authority and Councillors in maintaining one of the lowest commercial rates in the country.”
“Reduced commercial rates will help stabilise this income stream into the future and we urge Limerick City Councillors to support this proposal on 19 December,” commented Ms Kelly.
In response to the proposal to introduce a €250,000 fund to market and promote Limerick in 2013 as well as €235,000 to fund the City of Culture 2014, Ms Kelly continued:
“Any additional marketing spend by the Authority is welcome. Limerick has a lot to offer as a place to visit and every effort to promote this message to a wider and larger audience is welcomed.”
“Limerick is also an innovative, competitive location to do business and we look forward to more information on the implementation of the new Town Centre Management unit, the new Local Enterprise Offices and the GVA/ AECOM Economic and Spatial Plan. All these changes, which are under the remit of the new Economic Directorate, must cumulatively, promote investment as well as enterprise and job creation in our city,” she concluded.
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