Limerick CC to cut rates by 16% in 2014

Jamie2k9 · 10-12-2013 08:11PM #1

http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/business/business-news/limerick-city-council-plans-a-massive-cut-in-commercial-rates-1-5740447

I know it has nothing to do with Waterford but the principal of the article does, its needed here in the city, both Limerick and Waterford has suffered from the same problems with major companies pulling out over the last few years leading to high unemployment.

Smiley Burnett · 10-12-2013 08:25PM

I expect that Waterford city and county will drop also

Psychedelic · 11-12-2013 01:34PM

Smiley Burnett wrote: »

I expect that Waterford city and county will drop also

Not unless Phil Hogan gives a similar €3.5m grant to Waterford City/County Council.

Psychedelic · 12-12-2013 01:38PM

Tweet from Liz Reddy, WLR:

Liz Reddy ‏@LilyReddy 11 Dec
Minister Phil Hogan hints to @4_JohnDeasyTD that commercial rates may be harmonised down to Dungarvan levels after #Waterford amalgamation.

It's the least he could do seeing as he forced through the Waterford City & County Council amalgamation, but if this results in a significant decrease in rates for city centre businesses then the amalgamation could actually turn out to be a positive thing for Waterford.

Smiley Burnett · 12-12-2013 05:35PM

I expect Minister Hogan to give in the region of an EXTRA 5 MILLION to the local authorites in Waterford, in order to allow for the harmonisation of the rates

7upfree · 12-12-2013 11:01PM

Smiley Burnett wrote: »

I expect Minister Hogan to give in the region of an EXTRA 5 MILLION to the local authorites in Waterford, in order to allow for the harmonisation of the rates

I'll believe it when I see it. Which will probably be never.

Smiley Burnett · 13-12-2013 12:05AM

bingo---I was wrong

---big phil has given an extra 5.2 million

....big cut in rates on the way....(don't choke on that humble pie!)

jennygirl · 13-12-2013 08:30AM

WCCBG was informed by Paudie Coffey TD that our lobbying with Minister Phil Hogan TD over the past few months has paid dividends with the award of a €5.2M Grant to the new Waterford Amalgamated Authority which is intended to be used to reduce rates!
https://www.facebook.com/WaterfordCityCentre?ref=hl

7upfree · 13-12-2013 08:43AM

Smiley Burnett wrote: »

bingo---I was wrong ---big phil has given an extra 5.2 million ....big cut in rates on the way....(don't choke on that humble pie!)

Eating it now.:p But I still can't stand that man and his attitude to Waterford City.

Or this "government". Never ceases to amaze me how people will still support a party before their home City. Takes all sorts I suppose.

The caveat is "which is intended to reduce our rates".

Like the property tax was "intended" to be distributed locally?

7upfree · 13-12-2013 08:46AM

Jamie2k9 wrote: »

http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/business/business-news/limerick-city-council-plans-a-massive-cut-in-commercial-rates-1-5740447

I know it has nothing to do with Waterford but the principal of the article does, its needed here in the city, both Limerick and Waterford has suffered from the same problems with major companies pulling out over the last few years leading to high unemployment.

Only difference is a University (which FG promised - never delivered)……and that matter of a €100m being ploughed into it.

Measly droppings from the cabinet table for Waterford again. And people celebrate it? No wonder we're in the mess we're in.:mad:

Smiley Burnett · 13-12-2013 09:42AM

the policy of with-holding the property tax for 2014 only is PRECISELY the policy that allowed minister Hogan allocate an additional 5.2 million to Waterford. If he persisted with this policy of returning 80%, Waterford would lose out and larger urban areas like Dublin and Cork would benefit disproportionately. I have to say that I am stunned at the amount of people who wanted phil Hogan to implement a policy that was detrimental to Waterford's well-being!!!! THIS 5.2 MILLION EXTRA IS THE PROPERTY TAX BEING DISTRIBUTED LOCALLY!!!
"which is intended to reduce our rates"----This MEANS THAT THE LOCAL AUTHORITY HAS TO OFFSET THE ADDITIONAL FUNDS AGAINST RATES and cant spend the money elsewhere!! I expect to see a LARGE decrease in rates in forthcoming budget...GOOD NEWS FOR CITY AND COUNTY!!

P.S. this funding is ADDITIONAL funding....the local authorities in Waterford get approx. 35 million from government funds also!!....calculate how much is collected in property tax in Waterford and compare it to what is then given back by way of funding...SEE IF IT IS GREATER THAN OR LESS THAN 80%......YOU MIGHT GET A SHOCK!!!!;)

Silverado · 13-12-2013 11:00AM

So, does this mean that commercial rates on premises around the city, which are due to be increased by up to 2-300% in some cases, will now actually drop?

Max Powers · 13-12-2013 11:16AM

Silverado wrote: »

So, does this mean that commercial rates on premises around the city, which are due to be increased by up to 2-300% in some cases, will now actually drop?

thats what they are saying, bring them down to Dungarvan levels which on the face of it (dont know much about rates) is a good thing.

hardybuck · 13-12-2013 12:49PM

Rates should be tied to turnover. The better the business does, the more they contribute.

This helps to ensure that the business gets a fair deal, and the council has an extra incentive to see the business perform well. E.g. investing in improved footpaths or street lighting in a more run down area may have a positive impact on business performance, council earns more rates, everyone is a winner.

7upfree · 13-12-2013 01:16PM

Smiley Burnett wrote: »

the policy of with-holding the property tax for 2014 only is PRECISELY the policy that allowed minister Hogan allocate an additional 5.2 million to Waterford. If he persisted with this policy of returning 80%, Waterford would lose out and larger urban areas like Dublin and Cork would benefit disproportionately. I have to say that I am stunned at the amount of people who wanted phil Hogan to implement a policy that was detrimental to Waterford's well-being!!!! THIS 5.2 MILLION EXTRA IS THE PROPERTY TAX BEING DISTRIBUTED LOCALLY!!!
"which is intended to reduce our rates"----This MEANS THAT THE LOCAL AUTHORITY HAS TO OFFSET THE ADDITIONAL FUNDS AGAINST RATES and cant spend the money elsewhere!! I expect to see a LARGE decrease in rates in forthcoming budget...GOOD NEWS FOR CITY AND COUNTY!!

P.S. this funding is ADDITIONAL funding....the local authorities in Waterford get approx. 35 million from government funds also!!....calculate how much is collected in property tax in Waterford and compare it to what is then given back by way of funding...SEE IF IT IS GREATER THAN OR LESS THAN 80%......YOU MIGHT GET A SHOCK!!!!;)

What I see is €100m in state grants, etc going to Limerick as opposed to these droppings for Waterford City. But hey - YOU GO RIGHT AHEAD AND CELEBRATE BUTTY - no wonder Waterford is indeed the forgotten city. Particularly by the current "Government".

Smiley Burnett · 13-12-2013 01:33PM

I'm not celebrating anything, but can you show me where and when this govt gave 100 million to Limerick??.....p.s. I like the way you've moved the goalposts once it was pointed out to you that Hogan allocated an extra 5.2 million!!...yesterday you said it would never happen!!!

7upfree · 13-12-2013 01:40PM

Smiley Burnett wrote: »

I'm not celebrating anything, but can you show me where and when this govt gave 100 million to Limerick??.....p.s. I like the way you've moved the goalposts once it was pointed out to you that Hogan allocated an extra 5.2 million!!...yesterday you said it would never happen!!!

Hands up to that! But seriously butty - look at Limerick. €100m of the €200m is made up of state grants and loans. It is absolutely sickening. While FG walk away from a PLEDGE (cudgels etc) to provide a University in Waterford. That is the reality.

They can't even provide funding for a runway extension at Waterford Airport. It would turn the airport around and gee the area an enormous boost.

Psychedelic · 13-12-2013 02:32PM

Silverado wrote: »

So, does this mean that commercial rates on premises around the city, which are due to be increased by up to 2-300% in some cases, will now actually drop?

If the rates for some businesses do end up actually being raised by 2-300% then any decrease of say 15-20% at Council level won't result in a decrease overall, I think, but it's a bit more complicated than that.

To explain, the Council don't decide what the actual rates fee for each business is, they set a rates figure which is something like 66.22 for the city and that is multiplied by the valuation of the business premises (which is set by the Valuation Office and that was what happened earlier this year, all premises were revalued) which produces the rates fee.

Smiley Burnett · 13-12-2013 06:15PM

the portion of a business' rates bill that is determined by the council is set to fall

Sully · 13-12-2013 06:52PM

Rumour has it that Phil is going to give a cheque that will bounce, leaving Waterford Council in a crisis and needing a bailout. No other county will bail us out only Kilkenny, you see, so Phil will save the day and bail us out. But Kilkenny will now own Waterford and we will be doomed for all eternity! Its all part of the cunning and clever plan!

Doomed I tell you, doomed!

But putting aside the nonsense and conspiracy theorists that are bound to be afloat here in Waterford, I think the announcement is great news for our great City & County, while directly benefiting local businesses. Businesses and vocal opposition have been shouting about the crisis in Waterford, the rates, the lack of support they feel they are getting and that Phil Hogan is out to get Waterford. That's fine, but I think this is the proof in the pudding people have been asking (and not in the least expecting) for. Welcome it with open arms folks and lets hope its the start of an upward curve, something we badly need.

Waterford Council can now cut rates and its another step to help struggling businesses and help potential new ones. I fully admit that I am biased in my opinion here, but at the same time I speak openly and honestly regardless of the 'line' people may expect you to follow. This news is thanks to not just Phil Hogan, the very man people think is out to get Waterford, but also our representatives who are heavily criticized for doing nothing - at least, that's what people think. I have been saying for a long time that a lot of government TDs across the country do a lot of work in the background that's simply not in the public eye. Opposition TDs are vocal - that's their job, they can do nothing else anyway.

I know that Mayor Cummins has been working very heavily on this and on the issue of jobs for sometime because I have personally mentioned it to him on a number of occasions. Paudie Coffey is another example, on the ground I often hear stories of work he has done (from people, not Paudie or anybody in government or associated with the government) but its things that can't be mentioned publicly. Credit to John Deasy and Ciara Conway too, because I know that all public representatives in government and in opposition have been lobbying hard to give Waterford a break and as much of a helping hand as possible.

kuang1 · 14-12-2013 09:30AM

Sully wrote: »

I fully admit that I am biased in my opinion here, but at the same time I speak openly and honestly regardless of the 'line' people may expect you to follow. This news is thanks to not just Phil Hogan, the very man people think is out to get Waterford, but also our representatives who are heavily criticized for doing nothing - at least, that's what people think.

How dare anyone criticize our representatives for doing nothing!
They are entitled to do nothing don't ya know.

This is public representation in Ireland lest ye inferior beings forget!
:rolleyes:

7upfree · 14-12-2013 10:25AM

Sully wrote: »

I fully admit that I am biased in my opinion here, but at the same time I speak openly and honestly regardless of the 'line' people may expect you to follow.

Glad to see you admit it at last Sully. Biased towards what - FG? I'm biased towards Waterford City. Every time. As you know, I would be critical of people following a political party like sheep (particularly our alleged Government TDs), and I, and many others, see this for what it is. A sop to Waterford City and its people.

There is little to celebrate really. The money is "intended" to reduce rates. We'll watch that with interest.

In reality, it is crumbs. No two ways about it. Local and national FG representatives have watched Waterford city crash and burn - and done nothing. Their ongoing silence is testimony to this.

* An airport given, as someone said earlier, a crutch. It should be provided with the money for the extension.

* A halfway house of a "university" proposed. No doubt with its HQ in KK.

* A City council being dismantled.

* WRH being turned into a glorified A&E.

* VEC gone to Wexford.

You're probably right Sully. No conspiracy at all really.:) You do realise the straits that WRH is in - don't you?

There really is nothing to see here - except a pathetic attempt by a Government which has isolated & frustrated Waterford city at every turn. While people toed the party line and stood by & watched. And now cheerlead this "funding".

Sully · 14-12-2013 11:45AM

kuang1 wrote: »

How dare anyone criticize our representatives for doing nothing!
They are entitled to do nothing don't ya know.

This is public representation in Ireland lest ye inferior beings forget!
:rolleyes:

You know full well what I meant.

7upfree wrote: »

Glad to see you admit it at last Sully. Biased towards what - FG? I'm biased towards Waterford City. Every time. As you know, I would be critical of people following a political party like sheep (particularly our alleged Government TDs), and I, and many others, see this for what it is. A sop to Waterford City and its people.

There is little to celebrate really. The money is "intended" to reduce rates. We'll watch that with interest.

In reality, it is crumbs. No two ways about it. Local and national FG representatives have watched Waterford city crash and burn - and done nothing. Their ongoing silence is testimony to this.

* An airport given, as someone said earlier, a crutch. It should be provided with the money for the extension.

* A halfway house of a "university" proposed. No doubt with its HQ in KK.

* A City council being dismantled.

* WRH being turned into a glorified A&E.

* VEC gone to Wexford.

You're probably right Sully. No conspiracy at all really.:) You do realise the straits that WRH is in - don't you?

There really is nothing to see here - except a pathetic attempt by a Government which has isolated & frustrated Waterford city at every turn. While people toed the party line and stood by & watched. And now cheerlead this "funding".

You never have anything positive to say anyway. I don't think anybody on this forum comes across like a 'sheep', most people have an opinion that's different to yours and then you just throw insults out at them and call them 'fanboys' and 'political sheep'. The fact remains is the vast majority of people who discuss politics on this forum will welcome positive news and slam negative news regardless of political opinion.

Its already been established that whatever is given to Waterford, its never going to be enough. There is a lot of positives to be taken, but you will put a dampener on it and insist its a negative. That's not a discussion, that's your own political sheep mentality that's blurring your view and not allowing for a decent genuine debate.

kuang1 · 14-12-2013 12:43PM

I'm more with 7up than you Sully, albeit in between the 2 of ye.
This news would sit a lot better with me if there was an air of "This is good, but we have a ****load more that needs doing for the people of Waterford before we can pat ourselves on the back" about it.

I've said this before on a different thread;
I'm all for positivity, I'm a glass half-full kind of guy about life in general. But NEVER, EVER at the expense of realism. And for me, you're guilty of this in this instance.

7upfree · 14-12-2013 02:56PM

Sully wrote: »

That's not a discussion, that's your own political sheep mentality that's blurring your view and not allowing for a decent genuine debate.

:D:D

Just read it back to yourself Sully. S L O W L Y!

What was that you posted about being "biased"?

ANYONE (not just you) that places a political party before this City is, truthfully, a sheep. No two ways about it. As Kuang says I am a realist. That is the difference between you and I.

space2ground1 · 15-12-2013 08:25PM

Anything positive about Waterford City in the past 12 months has come from things Waterford people have done.

Minister Noonan was on the radio the other morning and a mate told me to listen back to it. He was talking about other cities following on behind Dublin.. like Galway Limerick and Cork, and other big towns.

That shows me his mentality. It shows me that Waterford is not in his thoughts. It makes me think that Waterford is spoken about differently to the other cities behind closed doors in Dublin.

Ive 2 friends working in WRH and according to them they think they can see things dripping away from Waterford out there. As much as people who love FG talk about us getting a university, I think we'll never get one. There's too many FF/FG/Lab politicans in Cork, Wexford, KK etc that are more powerful than ours and they wouldn't let their bit of the cake be taken off them or reduced. Why would UCC be happy to see their potential Waterford based students with intelligence and drive stay at home in Waterford and not go there?

Theres a reality that I rarely see on this forum from my time having a read and its that people who complain about the peanuts Waterford people get are considered negative and should be happy, while pointing out the obvious that the other 4 cities are running ahead of us in support and every other way is looked down on.

Waterford is a great place. Winterval is magical. Its people for the most part are friendly and decent. We've everything going for us. But if all the other cities are being supported more than us, and it seems to me that they are, the death by a thousand cuts approach will hurt us.

People will say I'm being negative but my family's income is halved now since 2007-8 ish. We're looking at all the jobs available in Dublin, Cork, Limerick & Galway. I've no political links or bother to support anyone but I can't bring myself to celebrate anything this crowd do. If other cities get massive input and we get a few crumbs, I'm not going to celebrate that.

Sad to see us being fed a diet of positive news all week. Apart from home grown positivity, I see nothin to be positive about how we're being treated here.

No university, no runway, no sign of positive news from WRH in comparison to others, no proper investment in jobs here that are suited to graduates..

Bah humbug n all but all the cheerleading around the tele and social media / newspapers these days from the lads who get comfort from being part of the groups in charge wont pay my mortgage.

Hopin for a great 2014 for Waterford and everyone in it. Just hope its not scuppered by people who want a great 2014 for everywhere bar us, and people who's loyalty is to them before their own city.

7upfree · 16-12-2013 08:39AM

space2ground1 wrote: »

Anything positive about Waterford City in the past 12 months has come from things Waterford people have done.

Minister Noonan was on the radio the other morning and a mate told me to listen back to it. He was talking about other cities following on behind Dublin.. like Galway Limerick and Cork, and other big towns.

That shows me his mentality. It shows me that Waterford is not in his thoughts. It makes me think that Waterford is spoken about differently to the other cities behind closed doors in Dublin.

Ive 2 friends working in WRH and according to them they think they can see things dripping away from Waterford out there. As much as people who love FG talk about us getting a university, I think we'll never get one. There's too many FF/FG/Lab politicans in Cork, Wexford, KK etc that are more powerful than ours and they wouldn't let their bit of the cake be taken off them or reduced. Why would UCC be happy to see their potential Waterford based students with intelligence and drive stay at home in Waterford and not go there?

Theres a reality that I rarely see on this forum from my time having a read and its that people who complain about the peanuts Waterford people get are considered negative and should be happy, while pointing out the obvious that the other 4 cities are running ahead of us in support and every other way is looked down on.

Waterford is a great place. Winterval is magical. Its people for the most part are friendly and decent. We've everything going for us. But if all the other cities are being supported more than us, and it seems to me that they are, the death by a thousand cuts approach will hurt us.

People will say I'm being negative but my family's income is halved now since 2007-8 ish. We're looking at all the jobs available in Dublin, Cork, Limerick & Galway. I've no political links or bother to support anyone but I can't bring myself to celebrate anything this crowd do. If other cities get massive input and we get a few crumbs, I'm not going to celebrate that.

Sad to see us being fed a diet of positive news all week. Apart from home grown positivity, I see nothin to be positive about how we're being treated here.

No university, no runway, no sign of positive news from WRH in comparison to others, no proper investment in jobs here that are suited to graduates..

Bah humbug n all but all the cheerleading around the tele and social media / newspapers these days from the lads who get comfort from being part of the groups in charge wont pay my mortgage.

Hopin for a great 2014 for Waterford and everyone in it. Just hope its not scuppered by people who want a great 2014 for everywhere bar us, and people who's loyalty is to them before their own city.

Well said. I am truly sort to hear of the position you are in. Unfortunately, people like yourself don't always post on message boards, so the reality of the situation is diluted.

"Galway, Limerick, Cork - and other big towns". Doesn't it really say it all about this Government? And those who cheerlead them? Where can you listen to this BTW?

space2ground1 · 16-12-2013 04:36PM

7upfree wrote: »

"Galway, Limerick, Cork - and other big towns". Doesn't it really say it all about this Government? And those who cheerlead them? Where can you listen to this BTW?

Newstalk Breakfast

About 12:10 in..

7upfree · 16-12-2013 05:52PM

space2ground1 wrote: »

Newstalk Breakfast

About 12:10 in..

Well, that just says it all really about this Government and how they view Waterford city. If ever proof was needed……

Sully · 16-12-2013 06:54PM

7upfree wrote: »

Well, that just says it all really about this Government and how they view Waterford city. If ever proof was needed……

And to cap it all off, he considers Dublin just a big awl town.

Definitely something suspicious here.

7upfree · 16-12-2013 08:48PM

Sully wrote: »

And to cap it all off, he considers Dublin just a big awl town.

Definitely something suspicious here.

Sully, Sully. Where to start? He's describing Cities OUTSIDE Dublin. Will there ever come a day when you recognise your heroes for what they really are where Waterford is concerned. Ever? Are they that important to you? Really?

Did you even read Space2ground1's post?

brinty · 16-12-2013 10:28PM

7upfree wrote: »

Sully, Sully. Where to start? He's describing Cities OUTSIDE Dublin. Will there ever come a day when you recognise your heroes for what they really are where Waterford is concerned. Ever? Are they that important to you? Really?

Did you even read Space2ground1's post?

Well said 7upfree and space2ground1..I'm in a similar boat to space, i can't get work in my profession in the city or county and have had to work abroad for a couple of years and in dublin for the past 2 and no have no idea if or when i might get employment back here. What has this government done for me..What jobs or investment have they made down here, what legacy have they left the people of this city, very little to none. When Talk Talk left their employee's went it on their own and generated jobs for themselves...but look at what else is leaving i.e. Citi - 50+ jobs gone and not being replaced...Bausch and Laumb, the Crystal Factory etc all jobs which have never been regenerated or replaced..This government has failed the people of this region and left it to rot whilst improving the cities of the hierarchical members of the Government...Noonan et al..

I'll be honest enough to admit I'm a Fine Gael supporter but it sickens me to see that our elected officials sit in the Dail on their hands and do nothing. I fervently believe that there is no alternative to the current government, i'd be loath to see FF back in power and see them fcuk it up again, SF are not even close to a viable option but if the 4 elected officials don't stand up and make there points heard, demand action and investment and get themselves air time then don't know if i could stand behind them at the next election..I would urge all people in the county to be asking these types of questions at your local elections next year and the next general election..

I love this city of ours and think everything that is being denied it is shambolic. We only recently got a motorway to Dublin (denied for too long by our KK cousins not willing to invest in it) but this is not enough. We need the rail link updated and expanded linking us to Cork. The airport needs to be expanded to bring tourism into the region. A major investment needs to be used on the Ferybank side of the quays which are an eyesore and make that a peoples park and get the bloody shopping centre over there opened. A major jobs initiative needs to be raised. We need a large Pharma or IT company to be brought down here with in excess of 1500 jobs. The skilled workforce is available or could be attracted to the area..We can no longer be viewed as a manufacturing town but should be aiming for a Knowledge City with the skills necessary to support many Multinational 's who could work together with the IT to help develop courses and bring it up to University status

I hope some of our learned TD's might see this and see what the people of Waterford want them to do....

I don't think even the most blinkered of Fine Gaeler could disagree with this....

7upfree · 17-12-2013 01:06PM

brinty wrote: »

Well said 7upfree and space2ground1..I'm in a similar boat to space, i can't get work in my profession in the city or county and have had to work abroad for a couple of years and in dublin for the past 2 and no have no idea if or when i might get employment back here. What has this government done for me..What jobs or investment have they made down here, what legacy have they left the people of this city, very little to none. When Talk Talk left their employee's went it on their own and generated jobs for themselves...but look at what else is leaving i.e. Citi - 50+ jobs gone and not being replaced...Bausch and Laumb, the Crystal Factory etc all jobs which have never been regenerated or replaced..This government has failed the people of this region and left it to rot whilst improving the cities of the hierarchical members of the Government...Noonan et al..

I'll be honest enough to admit I'm a Fine Gael supporter but it sickens me to see that our elected officials sit in the Dail on their hands and do nothing. I fervently believe that there is no alternative to the current government, i'd be loath to see FF back in power and see them fcuk it up again, SF are not even close to a viable option but if the 4 elected officials don't stand up and make there points heard, demand action and investment and get themselves air time then don't know if i could stand behind them at the next election..I would urge all people in the county to be asking these types of questions at your local elections next year and the next general election..

I love this city of ours and think everything that is being denied it is shambolic. We only recently got a motorway to Dublin (denied for too long by our KK cousins not willing to invest in it) but this is not enough. We need the rail link updated and expanded linking us to Cork. The airport needs to be expanded to bring tourism into the region. A major investment needs to be used on the Ferybank side of the quays which are an eyesore and make that a peoples park and get the bloody shopping centre over there opened. A major jobs initiative needs to be raised. We need a large Pharma or IT company to be brought down here with in excess of 1500 jobs. The skilled workforce is available or could be attracted to the area..We can no longer be viewed as a manufacturing town but should be aiming for a Knowledge City with the skills necessary to support many Multinational 's who could work together with the IT to help develop courses and bring it up to University status

I hope some of our learned TD's might see this and see what the people of Waterford want them to do....

I don't think even the most blinkered of Fine Gaeler could disagree with this....

In fairness that is the most accurate description of events affecting Waterford that I have seen in an awful long time. And is an indictment of this sham of a Government. And our "TDs". The silence of the cheerleaders is truly deafening.

Max Powers · 17-12-2013 04:16PM

7upfree wrote: »

In fairness that is the most accurate description of events affecting Waterford that I have seen in an awful long time. And is an indictment of this sham of a Government. And our "TDs". The silence of the cheerleaders is truly deafening.

fair enough comments from brinty alright, not to worry '2014 is going to be the year of jobs' according to the new plan:rolleyes:. I feel let down by FG/Lab, jobs is what matters here, there has been none forthcoming which have any significant look of govt influence. Some medium sized investment in infrastruture (flood protection, small bit in VT, fire station etc) is welcome but we need so much more. Eg. they say we dont have suitable spaces, why arent they helping us by building some, yes they applied and got PP but not a block on ground. Private enterprise is hopefully going to provide space for businesses in the old Crystal site. Increased visits from IDA are most welcome but even taking into account a time lag from visit to investment, you get the impression that they showed some prospective employers a half hearted attempt to locate in Waterford/SE.

Realistically, i cant see them dropping 5m to do runway properly. What they should do is an IDA SE director based in Waterford, proper investment in WIT/Uni, not just a name change and proper sites constructed and promoted in area. One of the challenges i think and i may be wrong is that 9/10 of the top pharma companies are here already, a lot of the big IT/tech companies are here (Dublin) already, is there new big employers out there? are the jobs for Waterford/SE gonna have to come from start-ups, smaller companies, Irish companies, in other sectors, etc?
What can we do, support local shops, businesses, music and arts events and restaurants in city centre.

7upfree · 17-12-2013 05:14PM

Max Powers wrote: »

fair enough comments from brinty alright, not to worry '2014 is going to be the year of jobs' according to the new plan:rolleyes:. I feel let down by FG/Lab, jobs is what matters here, there has been none forthcoming which have any significant look of govt influence. Some medium sized investment in infrastruture (flood protection, small bit in VT, fire station etc) is welcome but we need so much more. Eg. they say we dont have suitable spaces, why arent they helping us by building some, yes they applied and got PP but not a block on ground. Private enterprise is hopefully going to provide space for businesses in the old Crystal site. Increased visits from IDA are most welcome but even taking into account a time lag from visit to investment, you get the impression that they showed some prospective employers a half hearted attempt to locate in Waterford/SE.

Realistically, i cant see them dropping 5m to do runway properly. What they should do is an IDA SE director based in Waterford, proper investment in WIT/Uni, not just a name change and proper sites constructed and promoted in area. One of the challenges i think and i may be wrong is that 9/10 of the top pharma companies are here already, a lot of the big IT/tech companies are here (Dublin) already, is there new big employers out there? are the jobs for Waterford/SE gonna have to come from start-ups, smaller companies, Irish companies, in other sectors, etc?
What can we do, support local shops, businesses, music and arts events and restaurants in city centre.

I met a man in when out recently and got talking. Apparently he was some kind of statistical analyst on regions, how they're performing etc. While there is the tiniest of turnarounds, two of the most neglected and under-performing areas are Waterford and Wexford.

He quoted that some German industrialists were being brought to Waterford and were already fed up by the time they got to North KK. They couldn't understand why the Airport couldn't take jets so that they could fly directly in. Says it all really.

That airport - and a university - are the keys to our success. Which are being kept UNDER lock and key by FG……and their neighbouring "representatives".

brinty · 17-12-2013 05:35PM

7upfree wrote: »

I met a man in when out recently and got talking. Apparently he was some kind of statistical analyst on regions, how they're performing etc. While there is the tiniest of turnarounds, two of the most neglected and under-performing areas are Waterford and Wexford.

He quoted that some German industrialists were being brought to Waterford and were already fed up by the time they got to North KK. They couldn't understand why the Airport couldn't take jets so that they could fly directly in. Says it all really.

That airport - and a university - are the keys to our success. Which are being kept UNDER lock and key by FG……and their neighbouring "representatives".

Tut tut 7up...how can you say such a thing....sure this isn't the same beloved "representatives" who stood on the steps of the Tower and said when I'm in charge waterford will get nothing!!!!

And who'd blame said Germans industrialists!! Bloody KK.....I feel violated coming into North KK myself!!!!

Re Max, I know what your saying re the Pharma's and IT multinationals but the point i'd make is surely the government could try to incentivise them down to here. I'm not talking manufacturing, i'd be talking more in terms of shared service centres etc.. Novartis have bought a huge building in Dublin to house 600+ in a shared service centre, Dundalk got 400+ new jobs with Ebay/ Paypal during the year i think!!! And these are only some of the announcements made in this year. Imagine what that could do for Waterford getting like something those figures. We have the talent pool and facilities to accommadate something like that in the industrial estates. CitiBank will be unoccupied next year, Mcinerney's is going unoccupied, B&Q is unoccupied..off the top of my head. We just need to attract 1 or 2 of these large companies to get things going and we could hope to attract more thereafter by developing the airport and ugrading the WIT. There are new shared service centres opening in Dublin on a regular basis so even if we couldn't get the above large ones 10 smaller centres with 50+ jobs each would be great.

I also agree with your point re spending in the city centre , this needs to be encouraged and the city council shopping centres need to be made aware of the numbers going elsewhere (Cork, Dublin and KK) because of high parking rates, continuous road works etc etc..

We should be looking at utilising the Waterford 1100 celebrations, these should be balsted out nationwide and making people aware that we are the oldest city in the country, and show them the Viking Triangle. I'm sick of hearing about Limerick being the "Capital of Culture 2014" blah blah....

We have a great wee spot for foodies and this should be encouraged, try and make Waterford a centre for food excellence and get tourism trips coming this way. Food tourism is becoming a bit of a boom industry and how many different craft breweries do we have going that could be used as a day trip.

All these things would help get money into the city and county coffers. As the old saying goes You need to spend a little to make a lot and these are just some of hthe things that could be done..

Smiley Burnett · 17-12-2013 11:59PM

a\irport is in wrong location in my opinion...location between Waterford and new ross would be ideal location...cork airport is seen as the most viable option for those living in west Waterford...

7upfree · 18-12-2013 08:48AM

Smiley Burnett wrote: »

a\irport is in wrong location in my opinion...location between Waterford and new ross would be ideal location...cork airport is seen as the most viable option for those living in west Waterford...

Yes - and Waterford is the most viable for those stretching from mid-Waterford to South Tipp, South KK, and South Wexford.

brinty · 18-12-2013 11:11AM

I see Minister Noonan has managed to wangle 300 new pharma jobs down to Limerick with 600 construction jobs to set it up.
Do our representatives Deasy, Coffey, Conway and Halligan raise their voices at all...
God forgive me for saying but at least Cullen raised his voice...

Smiley Burnett · 18-12-2013 01:47PM

brinty wrote: »

I see Minister Noonan has managed to wangle 300 new pharma jobs down to Limerick with 600 construction jobs to set it up.
Do our representatives Deasy, Coffey, Conway and Halligan raise their voices at all...
God forgive me for saying but at least Cullen raised his voice...

Just as a point of clarification...Martin Cullen sat at the cabinet table and implemented policies that cost thousands of jobs in wateford and the south east...He was part of a government that destroyed our economy with unsustainable policies...He was a great friend of the developers too...sure, didn't they finance his campaigns....How are fixed now after Cullen and co????

brinty · 18-12-2013 01:56PM

Smiley Burnett wrote: »

Just as a point of clarification...Martin Cullen sat at the cabinet table and implemented policies that cost thousands of jobs in wateford and the south east...He was part of a government that destroyed our economy with unsustainable policies...He was a great friend of the developers too...sure, didn't they finance his campaigns....How are fixed now after Cullen and co????

Smiley, i don't disagree with a word of what you said and i did say i was loath to say anything good about him but the thing was at least he was at the cabinet table, pushing the Waterford agenda and getting air time and facial recognition...our 3 gov't td's are not...when's the last time you saw any of them getting airtime...could anyone even identify them by name??? i doubt it

Max Powers · 18-12-2013 02:53PM

Smiley Burnett wrote: »

Just as a point of clarification...Martin Cullen sat at the cabinet table and implemented policies that cost thousands of jobs in wateford and the south east...He was part of a government that destroyed our economy with unsustainable policies...He was a great friend of the developers too...sure, didn't they finance his campaigns....How are fixed now after Cullen and co????

what policies did he implement that cost us thousands of jobs?

wellboytoo · 18-12-2013 03:01PM

Smiley Burnett wrote: »

Just as a point of clarification...Martin Cullen sat at the cabinet table and implemented policies that cost thousands of jobs in wateford and the south east...He was part of a government that destroyed our economy with unsustainable policies...He was a great friend of the developers too...sure, didn't they finance his campaigns....How are fixed now after Cullen and co????

A tad general Smiley, only for Cullen the bridge , motorway and outer ring road would have gone elsewhere no doubt, your comments about his donations is pure speculation on your part as regards the rest no arguments

7upfree · 18-12-2013 11:01PM

Smiley Burnett wrote: »

Just as a point of clarification...Martin Cullen sat at the cabinet table and implemented policies that cost thousands of jobs in wateford and the south east...He was part of a government that destroyed our economy with unsustainable policies...He was a great friend of the developers too...sure, didn't they finance his campaigns....How are fixed now after Cullen and co????

As opposed to the current economic parasites? And subservients of the Troika????

hardybuck · 19-12-2013 10:15AM

Max Powers wrote: »

what policies did he implement that cost us thousands of jobs?

I think the poster meant that as a member of cabinet from 2002 to 2010 he would have shared some of their collective responsibility for some of the horrendus policy implemented during that period, which cost hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Max Powers · 19-12-2013 02:10PM

hardybuck wrote: »

I think the poster meant that as a member of cabinet from 2002 to 2010 he would have shared some of their collective responsibility for some of the horrendus policy implemented during that period, which cost hundreds of thousands of jobs.

well if that is the case then the original poster should re-write up/clarify his comments because the original posting was erroneous. Martin Cullen was hardly a driving force behind those failed policies by Bertie et al, just look at today, outside of Kenny, Noonan and Gilmore there aint many people being asked what they think of govt policy, yeah, sure they are all a party to it but blaming one man (if that man isnt one of our former taoiseachs or min of finance) is just misleading, like the original post. When he was a minister, he didnt implement any policies that cost Waterford 000's of jobs. Im no defender of former public (self) servants but lets try and keep it reasonably close to reality.

hardybuck · 19-12-2013 03:04PM

Max Powers wrote: »

well if that is the case then the original poster should re-write up/clarify his comments because the original posting was erroneous. Martin Cullen was hardly a driving force behind those failed policies by Bertie et al, just look at today, outside of Kenny, Noonan and Gilmore there aint many people being asked what they think of govt policy, yeah, sure they are all a party to it but blaming one man (if that man isnt one of our former taoiseachs or min of finance) is just misleading, like the original post. When he was a minister, he didnt implement any policies that cost Waterford 000's of jobs. Im no defender of former public (self) servants but lets try and keep it reasonably close to reality.

Things are quite different in the current structure. Most of the major economic policy is driven from two Departments - The Department of Public Expenditure & Reform and the Dept. of Finance.

The Ministers of those two Departments, along with the Tanaiste and the Taoiseach, as well as their senior officials, will have membership of the Economic Management Council. People like Joan Burton would be furious not to have to membership of bodies such as this.

This is only a new thing. While Finance always made a lot of policy decisions, and still do, the members of Cabinet must be in agreement before any decisions are rubber stamped. Cullen would have had an armchair view of everything from policies which fueled property speculation to those which agreed to the bailout.

But if we think that all the decisions in the country are made by such a small handful of people, we shouldn't really be bashing our individual TDs at all for their lack of influence.

brinty · 19-12-2013 04:16PM

hardybuck wrote: »

Things are quite different in the current structure. Most of the major economic policy is driven from two Departments - The Department of Public Expenditure & Reform and the Dept. of Finance.

The Ministers of those two Departments, along with the Tanaiste and the Taoiseach, as well as their senior officials, will have membership of the Economic Management Council. People like Joan Burton would be furious not to have to membership of bodies such as this.

This is only a new thing. While Finance always made a lot of policy decisions, and still do, the members of Cabinet must be in agreement before any decisions are rubber stamped. Cullen would have had an armchair view of everything from policies which fueled property speculation to those which agreed to the bailout.

But if we think that all the decisions in the country are made by such a small handful of people, we shouldn't really be bashing our individual TDs at all for their lack of influence.

Yes Hardy we should be hammering them..they are our voice in government and should push our agenda..look at Lucinda Creighton on the abortion issues..put her self out there and got exposure...when's the last time any 1 of our 3 did something like that (other than Deasy and the stupid smoking in the Dail bar after the smoking ban was introduced when FF were in Gov't...says it all really)

Max Powers · 19-12-2013 04:28PM

I wish people would stop using 'says it all really' when it doesnt say it all really. im not directing this at last poster/post, it seems to be used a lot on here like it is the final rebuttal in an argument.

brinty · 19-12-2013 04:30PM

Max Powers wrote: »

I wish people would stop using 'says it all really' when it doesnt say it all really. im not directing this at last poster/post, it seems to be used a lot on here like it is the final rebuttal in an argument.

Not intended in that way at all Max :rolleyes:

hardybuck · 19-12-2013 04:49PM

brinty wrote: »

Yes Hardy we should be hammering them..they are our voice in government and should push our agenda..look at Lucinda Creighton on the abortion issues..put her self out there and got exposure...when's the last time any 1 of our 3 did something like that (other than Deasy and the stupid smoking in the Dail bar after the smoking ban was introduced when FF were in Gov't...says it all really)

Lucinda as a result was kicked out of her party, has lost her job (as Minister for European Affairs as opposed to a TD), and the legislation she objected to went through anyway.

She is now outside the tent in terms of influncing policy, and her constituents will suffer as a result. Terrific exposure.

Limerick CC to cut rates by 16% in 2014

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