BUSINESS ACTION GROUP SETTING THE PACE
There were new faces at this week’s meeting of the Fermoy Business Action Group (FBAG) which went through a very full agenda on Tuesday night last at The Wagon Bar. First up was Cllr Noel McCarthy as he updated the meeting on the Christmas lights: “I am hoping to get a committee together specially aimed at making the Christmas lights bigger and better than ever. We hope to have a 5 year plan for the lights, and improve them over the coming years.”
Try Fermoy first Chairman, Dave Valentine spoke briefly about the ‘Try Fermoy First’ shop local campaign.
“This group is busy working away in the background. Nelius is in the process of organising car stickers. We hope that in the quieter summer months to ramp up the campaign, holding on street competitions etc,” he said.
FLOOD PLAN FEARS
Cllr McCarthy spoke about his fears for phase 2 of the flood relief plan.
“No tenders have been signed yet and again communication is vital here. We need to ensure a meeting is held before any work commences with all businesses/areas concerned. It is going to be a big inconvenience no doubt but it will be great when it’s complete. The gardai have been very helpful and a lot of work hopefully will be done at night, especially on the bridge, to minimise disruption. We will know more when the tenders have been signed.”
PURCHASING POWER
Mark Hayes spoke about the purchasing group, stating that to-date 28 businesses have signed up to avail of the group discounts for their utility bills.
“A meeting will be held next week at 6.30pm in the Wagon Bar, whereby people can meet the reps to discuss possible savings. I would encourage everyone to make an effort to show up, as there are savings of €300 to €400 per annum to be made on your bills. Just bring along your bills, ESB, waste management, phone etc and the reps will show you your possible savings.” Street festivals Noel Barnes spoke about the upcoming street festival, which takes place on Saturday.
“Tell everyone to bring their kids, if it’s a sunny day it will be fantastic. There are also plans to hold two further festivals if Saturday is a success. We are looking at having a festival on the quays on July 2 which will include canoeing, tubing, BBQ etc, and possibly a concert in the library carpark. And, on July 23, we hope to hold a Guinness Book of Records style event, with Cork Damhsa groups coming along in the hope of breaking the record for the longest Irish dance, so there is lots in the pipeline to be excited about.”
Cllr McCarthy agreed that the upcoming festivals were a ‘big showcase for the town’ and that please God people would come back as a result and visit the town in the future’.
Meeting the TD Dave Valentine spoke about the group having a very positive meeting with Deputy Tom Barry TD recently.
“He gave us a commitment to do what he could for us, it really was a very worthwhile meeting and I think the more people that are aware of our activities the better.”
The issue of parking was discussed with business owners asking about the availability of parking meter hoods.
“There is still a lot of confusion about the free parking, and I think if the businesses that have a meter outside their shop were responsible for putting a hood on the meter when the parking was free it would make it much easier for people,” one lady suggested.
FREE PARKING
Cllr McCarthy confirmed that, as in previous bank holiday weekends, he would have a motion in at the next meeting of the Fermoy Town Council for a one-hour free on street parking for the August bank holiday weekend in a bid to attract more shoppers into the town.
Dave Valentine concluded the meeting by reminding people that the group has a presence on Facebook, and to spread the word to friends in order to share information.
“This will be the final public meeting for the summer but the sub-committees will be continuing their work with the shop local campaign, the festivals, purchasing group etc, so people will continue to work together to encourage people to Try Fermoy First.”.
Published:
Friday 10th June 7:06pm
