'Getting it in the guts’- Kilkenny trader hits back at increase in premises rates
More coverage of the local authority's budget is available in this week's Kilkenny People
A local business person based on John Street in Kilkenny City has called for greater improvement measures to be introduced following news of an increase in premises rates.
"I totally appreciate there’s a cost to running this city and county, and the council have a challenge there to achieve that but from our point of view, we seem to be getting it in the guts from everyone and anyone,” the local trader told the Kilkenny People.
"It’s support and cuts we need, not hikes of rates so from that point of view it’s concerning. Like anything, no one has an issue paying a bit extra if you feel you’re getting value for it,” they continued.
"I’m beating the drum for John Street. If you’re in the city centre, you’d probably say it’s great money and you can see the benefit of it, but not on John Street.
"I can understand there’s pros and cons here. I definitely see the challenges for the councillors and the council itself to keep the city and the county operational,” they added, stating a greater focus and investment is needed on the street.
"I regularly have to go in and clean glass off the street myself while often there’s vomit all over the place.
"If you’re putting money in, you want to see more coming out. My rates don’t cover that," they commented.
"We have to create our own budget and things within our businesses to operate. We don’t have coffers of endless money.
"There’s business people making huge efforts to attract people into this city.
"There are a lot of very good businesses in this city and hard-working business people that create the bars, the restaurants, the cafe and the different attractions that entice people to come to our city," they noted.
"It’s not just what the council provide that people come for, it’s a two-way relationship.
"I do appreciate the council, they work hard to make Kilkenny a desirable space for people to come to and the businesses work equally as hard for that to be achieved as well."
Overall, the budget has a total expenditure of €129.4m, an increase of €8.9m (7.4%) from the previous year.
Independent, Cllr Eugene McGuinness echoed the sentiments.
"I’ve insisted that John Street be looked at and they (council officials) are looking at it in terms of trying to make a better layout and do more for the businesses in John Street," he stated.
"The businesses and people in general have to see that the improvements are there and we are determined about what we’re doing," he added.
"I don’t think anyone would object to a modest increase so long as they see the result in terms of services provided."