Businesses need energy support similar to Covid says Cllr Martin Harley

Supports similar to the ones businesses received during the Covid crisis were now needed to help local firms deal with the spiralling energy costs, according to a Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District councillor.

Cllr Martin Harley forecast the next two years could present various challenges, especially with the energy crisis that were experiencing at the moment. Speaking at the district's recent meeting he suggested replicating the approach they took with businesses during the Covid pandemic.

"It's important that any initiatives rolled out by the government are relayed to businesses. Hopefully, after our budget on Monday businesses won't be affected by a rate increase because they are already struggling. A lot of businesses are closing because they don't see any way out of this energy crisis because electricity, oil and gas increases are absolutely crippling them."

He added the council's economic development unit had done great work over the past few years in this regard and felt going forward, this should be maintained.

"There is supposed to be an ESB scheme coming up that will see 40% off the increase on your bill, not 40% of your overall bill go back to businesses through Revenue but it hasn't been rolled out yet. Has the council been contacted about this?"

He suggested the municipal district send a letter to the relevant government department to expedite this scheme.

"It's easier to keep a business going than to try to start a new one," he said.

Municipal district chairman, Cllr Patrick McGowan said he agreed with Cllr Harley's suggestions adding it was a  massive challenge for the council to continue services at the levels they are currently at.

He said he knew councillors had made it clear they would not be supporting any rate increases.

"It just can't happen. We are going to have to start looking at other ways of funding any shortcomings. I know we have a lot of big plans for the county," he said.