Shot-in-the-arm comes at exactly the right time

UNEMPLOYMENT in Wexford is running at almost 16%.

The announcement that the town has been chosen as a hub town for the south-east development plan under the strategy could not have come at a better time.

Wexford Chamber of Commerce described the move as a very positive step for Wexford town and its surrounding hinterland.

CEO Emer Lovett said the town and its surrounding towns feature the perfect blend of urban and rural life, while at the same time being just two hours from Dublin.

The Chamber believes the spatial strategy will help foster a huge number of positive developments already underway. They include the development of hotels, new apartment and housing developments, new business parks in the county and the expansion of a lot of local industries.

“Looking 10 to 20 years down the road, we would of course welcome a multinational to Wexford. But we would also like to see a number of employers coming here, creating between 100 and 200 jobs each.

“Wexford has a quality which is second to none. House prices here are affordable. While Wexford is a cosmopolitan, busy town and is busy tourism wise, it still enjoys a lot of character. Anyone who comes here remarks on the quality of life here.

“This is a modern, progressive region which is ripe for development. Making us a hub town elevates the status of Wexford. And it also gives us a badly needed lift.

“Not only does it change the government view of this town, it also boosts our personal confidence.”

Fianna Fáil TD, Wexford TD, Tony Dempsey, said the use of the word hub is critical. He said it must now strive to boost its infrastructure. He urged the Government to boost transport, road and rail in the region.

Wexford has taken a serious hammering over the past year. Job losses at Wexford Weavings, Wexford Electronics and Wexal, coupled with the closure of countless small businesses because of spiralling insurance costs has taken its toll.

The poor tourist season has also left its mark. But the spatial strategy plan should help fill rooms in new and extended hotels.

It will be a further boost to the property market and will spur Dubliners to take the two-hour trip south and see just what Wexford has to offer, local business people believe.