Longford roadworks delays is rates increase ‘in own right’, claims Hagan
The protracted overhaul of Longford's Ballinalee Road has been described as a commercial rates increase in its own right.
Fine Gael Cllr Gerry Hagan made the assertion at a budget meeting of Longford County Council last Friday.
Cllr Hagan, the incumbent Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach, said cash starved retailers had been left disillusioned by a project which was originally intended to be completed in April.
“I don't say that lightly either," he said, when remarking how a five per cent rise would "send a shiver down the spine of ratepayers".
It's not the first time the Killoe based local politician has vented his fury at a project which is now almost eight months past its anticipated completion date.
"Businesses, though, over the past three years, have been struggling first with Brexit, then Covid and now the Ukrainian war which have skyrocketed prices,” he said.
“I think the new rate increase (five per cent) will send a shiver down the spines of local businesses.”
Cllr Hagan said the lengthy delays motorists continued to face, was driving more and more consumers out of Longford and to other neighbouring towns.