FOOTPATH WORK FINAL STRAW FOR FERMOY SHOPS
Already hit by the economic downturn, local businesses in MacCurtain Street, Fermoy are set to face an even tougher few months ahead as the NRA plan to complete work on the footpaths and lighting throughout the town.
Phase one of this plan, due to commence in August, will start at the traffic lights on the Cork road up to Abbey Street. Businesses on MacCurtain Street are understandably distressed at the idea of a few months of work being undertaken outside their shops which could mean a further drop in trade.
NO CHOICE
Diane Nugent, owner of Sofas So Good on MacCurtain Street, aired her concerns to The Avondhu.
“I am very worried about the future of my business. Things are tough as it is with the recession and with the traffic down to one lane on the bridge. If the footpaths are dug up outside my shop and people aren’t allowed park outside, I will have no choice but to close while work takes place. Long term it will be good for the town but for the sake of the businesses work will have to be staggered so large areas are not affected at one time and disruption to business is kept to a minimum.”
A BIT OF A NIGHTMARE
The Avondhu also spoke to Fermoy Mayor Noel McCarthy. “I am aware that Fermoy town has been through a lot with the work on the flood plan and now this. However, we have done a traffic management plan and we hope that a lot of work will be done at night to lessen the affect on businesses.” “It will be a bit of a nightmare in the short term, but long term we will have lovely new foothpaths and new lighting.”
OUT OF THE BLUE
Local businessman and town councillor, Michael Hanley told The Avondhu, “The reality is that this came out of the blue. It has occurred because other local authorities didn’t spend their money, so Fermoy town has been ‘gifted’ this. Fermoy has been through a lot with the flood plan and the affects of the recession. I can promise that the business people affected will be invited to a meeting in the near future with the people who will be doing the work on the footpaths, and they will be fully briefed on what will happen.”
Published:
Thursday 10th June 7:47pm
