Waterford fights to save city businesses

A city centre management group has been formed in Waterford in an attempt to combat the “challenges” faced by the district in the teeth of recession.

Waterford City Council is assuring the community that efforts are under way to “enhance” the city centre and support the struggling retail sector which, in common with other urban areas, has been hit by closures and cutbacks in recent times.

The council has established a Waterford City Centre Management Group to bring together “stakeholders” and come up with ideas to help improve the situation.

Members include city mayor John Cummins, city manager Michael Walsh, and a number of elected council members, council officials, property owner representatives, retailers and car-park operators, along with local gardaí.

“As a local authority,” said Mr Walsh, “we are acutely aware of the real difficulties that retailers are experiencing at present with less disposable income in circulation and consumer confidence at a very low level for almost five years now.”

The council is “committed to doing all that we can to support the sector” which is an important source of direct and indirect employment, said Mr Walsh, adding that a vibrant mix of shops is part of what makes the city centre attractive to visitors and investors alike.

“Given the priority that the city centre and retail represent, this group has met five times in recent weeks and is examining all of the areas where there is potential to improve what’s on offer in the core of the city,” he said.

Mr Cummins said a draft report from the Waterford City Centre Management Group is being prepared and will be considered by the full council at a special meeting early next month.

“It is clear there is no quick fix or single intervention that will create a more vibrant and thriving city centre, given the wider national and global economic environment,” he said.

“However, it is important that we control the things that we can make an impact on. I am encouraged by the genuine partnership approach now being taken by the public and private sector to working together on improving our city centre.

“Strong regions rely on strong cities and strong cities in turn rely on a strong city centre so it is vital that we continue to do all we can to protect and develop the centre of Waterford.”

He urged the people of Waterford to shop local and support the businesses that create jobs in the city: “It’s time to put Waterford first.”