Council responds to pleas from traders
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OFFICIALS AT Carlow Town Council are to consider ways in which to improve business in the town centre after a delegation of business people put their plight to them last week at a meeting. One councillor described the centre of Carlow as being 'denuded' as more punters take the easy option of spending their cash in suburban shopping centres.
Local representatives were keen to show their interest in the group, with all of them fully backing the group's request for change.
Cllr. Michael Abbey remarked on the success of the street party that took place recently on Tullow Street and asked if there were further plans for more such events.
PJ Hickson replied that because of the great popularity of the last one, more street events were in store to encourage people to come into the town centre.
He also said that parking, already at a premium, will continue to be an issue, especially when the car parks at Penney's and Dinn Rí are re-developed.
Mr. Hickson was quick to point out to Cllr. Anne Ahern Long that the opening of Tullow Street to traffic wouldn't have a detrimental effect on business and that all the traders were in favour of it.
When Cllr. Eileen Brophy asked how long did the group want Tullow Street to be open to traffic, Mr. Hickson said that the group ' would settle for it to open until Easter.'
He also wants the loading bays in the area to act as 'set down only' bays for customers so the shoppers can be easily dropped off.
'Carlow is not unique in its town centre being denuded,' Cllr. Rody Kelly asserted, before suggesting that the traders should work with representatives from other towns to lobby the government.
Mr. Hickson welcomed the idea, adding that the group had meetings with other traders on their agenda.
Cllr. Anne Ahern Long pointed out that it was up to the customers themselves to think about where and how they shopped and the consequences of their choices.
' They must become more aware of supporting local businesses,' she said.
Tom Barry, county manager, then said that the council would come back to the traders' group within a fortnight with proposals as to how to make the opening of Tullow Street safe for pedestrians.
