This article is from page 24 of the 2011-02-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
CLARE TDs in the next Dáil have agreed to meet with business leaders in the county four weeks after taking office to discuss how Clare can become the first county in Ireland to exit recession.
The pledge was made by 14 of Clare’s 16 General Election candidates, either present or represented, at a public meeting attended by almost 220 business owners in Ennis last Wednesday.
The meeting was told that those present employed 1,300 people in Ennis.
Organised by Ennis Development Forum and Ennis chamber, the meeting in the Temple Gate Hotel was held to highlight the growing jobs crisis in the county, canvass new ideas and initiatives and encourage consumers to buy local.
Nine business representatives explained the main issues facing small and medium-sized businesses in the county with candidates also outlining their strategies to boost Clare’s economy and save local jobs.
President of Ennis Chamber of Commerce John Dillane said that meeting was not about “bitching and pointing fingers” but rather looking forward.
Chairman of the O’Connell Street Trader’s Association Gearoid Mannion told the meeting that there is a lot of “goodwill and enthusiasm” in Clare. Citing the success of the Wallcandy Street Art project and the Ennis Street Festival, he said it was important for everyone involved in business to “stay positive”.
Aoife Madden of Madden’s Furniture and the Ennis Development Forum said, “Clare will be the first county in Ireland to get out of recession”. She said that over 500 people had signed up to a Facebook page, urging customers to “stay here and shop local”.
She encouraged all businesses to fly Clare flags outside their premises. “They will think we’ve all gone mad down here, but we have to shop local, its important,” added Ms Madden.