Fresh concern is being expressed in Clare that businesses outside of the M50 are getting a raw deal.
Ahead of the Clare Business Excellence Awards, which are being held in Ennis next week, a number of business owners around the county have been sharing their views on how trade in Clare is going.
Next week will see entrepreneurs around the Banner County honoured for their hard work, at the Clare Business Excellence Awards.
Today, some of the nominees have taken part in a special business panel discussion on Clare FM’s Morning Focus where a number of issues affecting their sectors were fleshed out.
Unsurprisingly, the East-West divide in terms of economic development came up.
Seán Lally of Hotel Woodstock in Ennis says while Dublin is crucial to Ireland’s economy, it can’t be the be all and end all.
However, confidence has been expressed in the lure of small family owned business for shoppers here.
Aoife Madden of Madden’s Furniture in Ennis says the county town has a strong product to offer that’s hard to find elsewhere.
A West Clare businesswoman, meanwhile, is urging those looking to set up shop in this county to consider a move towards the coast.
Julie Moore-Neylon of Wild Atlantic Opticians in Kilrush feels it’s hard to replicate the quality of life in rural Clare anywhere else.
