A prominent Clare trader has accused candidates of attempting to buy seats regarding promises to help small businesses ahead of the general election.
With less than 100 hours to go until polling day, stakeholders in industry, farming and retail say economic supports are more important in this climate than ever before.
The dedicated representative body for business in the greater Shannon area claims having a Minister at the cabinet table is a must for Clare to address imbalanced regional development.
Shannon Chamber is calling for a full review of national aviation policy, progression with a sense of urgency on Clare’s offshore wind development and funding for the One Shannon Hub and Shannon Town Centre to be enshrined in the next programme for government.
With Donald Trump’s administration planning to slash the US corporate tax rate to Ireland’s level of 12.5%, fears are growing that the MidWest could take a significant hit to it’s foreign direct investment portfolio.
Shannon Chamber President Eoin Gavan says with unchartered waters on the horizon, support for small businesses is more important now than ever.
The cost of doing business has been flagged as a major issue for the Irish Farmers Association.
According to the Clare Branch, Agriculture contributes over €1bn to this county’s economy every year, but since 2017 the cost of operating has risen by over 70%.
Concern has also been flagged with the Mercusor Trade Deal , which the Clare IFA claims would significantly challenge beef exports produced from local farms.
Chairperson and Feakle farmer Stephen Walsh says input costs have to be reduced for the sector to remain viable.
A prominent Clare retailer, meanwhile, claims action is needed to address village and town centres which have been “decimated” of their footfall.
Patrick Bourke from Patrick Bourke’s menswear in Ennis and Kilrush is calling for the incoming government to address red tape in business succession as family firms are “fading away”.
He’s also sceptical that the parties will be able to live up to their promises.
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