A RECENT front page report in a local newspaper (not the Limerick Post), citing the closure of business outlets in the city, accompanied by photographs, was severely criticised in City Hall this week.
Members of the city council’s Economic Policy Development and Future Planning Committee, which includes a leading retailer and an architect, were unhappy with the negative portrayal of the city’s commercial life.
“There was no mention in the paper of those businesses that are weathering the storm and despite all the odds are managing to ride out the economic downturn, nor of their concern with overheads and crippling rates – we need to speak with the business sector who have positive ideas and now is the time to do it,” said Cllr Jim Long.
Cllr Joe Leddin told the meeting it was a pity the newspaper concerned had not highlighted “all those shops that are open and who could do with the publicity”.
Other councillors were equally critical of the negative depiction of Limerick conveyed by the paper.
“Anyone who read that article would not come into the city, yet what is happening here is happening also in other cities and towns,” said Cllr Gerry McLoughlin
Stressing that a special group is actively working to attract business, including the multiple retailers to the city, City Hall executive, Oliver McLoughlin, said that while it is a slow process, they are hopeful of seeing progress shortly.
