Dundalk ratepayers urged to vote yes to BIDS

Dundalk ratepayers are being asked to support Dundalk’s Business Investment District Scheme (BIDS) through to 2018 by voting yes in the upcoming ballot.

As ballot papers on the continuation of the scheme are being sent out, Dundalk BIDS Chairperson Brian O’Neill along with Fiona Cunningham who has worked in the BIDS office since its establishment in 2009 spoke of the vital positive work the office has been involved with.

Dundalk was the first town to take up the BIDS strategy and has had a huge involvement in many projects and initiatives over the year including the Market Square refurbishment, the return of the Dundalk Tourist Office to the Market Square, Town Watch, Fashion Festivals, Táin Summer Festival, Festival of Lights and Culture and Dundalk on Ice.

“I have to say I don’t know if many of the initiatives we would have been involved in would have come about, or been so successful, had there not been a BIDS presence in Dundalk,” Brian O’Neill said this week.

He explained: “Visitors to Dundalk and the surrounding areas now come straight to the heart of the town centre to the Tourist Office. They not only find out about hotels, B&Bs and tourist attractions but are given details on where to eat, where to shop etc.

“It was BIDs who paved the way for the Tourist Office to re-open at the Square after many years absence and I regard that as one of our greatest achievements. This  would not have happened without Dundalk BIDS input and investment.”

The Town Watch system is another initiative Brian is proud of.

“Again BIDS plays an extremely active role in our Town Watch, which provides a quick and effective way to notify local businesses of anti social behaviour or security threats. Its success is seen in the growing attendances at out monthly meetings.”

Fiona Cunningham has seen the great changes in the town centre over the past number of years, thanks to Dundalk BIDS.

“You only have to take a look at Dundalk at Christmas to see the many positive changes BIDS has been involved in.

“A few years ago, prior to the Market Square refurbishment, Dundalk had a very lovely Christmas tree in front of the Court House. This year we will have the Christmas tree at the Square along with Dundalk on Ice, The Festival of Lights and Culture and The Dundalk Santa Fun Run.

“Dundalk BIDS is involved in all of the events and provides a vital base and communications network at the centre of the town.

“Imitation is the greatest form of flattery and towns both North and South of Dundalk are taking on our ideas but it is great to know we are a step ahead all the way.

“Dundalk BIDS is unique. I firmly believe the town would be at a disadvantage if the Dundalk BIDS office was not here. Ratepayers have been strong in their support for BIDS since its establishment and I would ask all ratepayers to vote tes on their ballot papers.”

Ratepayers must return their ballot papers to Dundalk Town Council by close of business on Monday, December 9th.

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Dundalk Town Centre Manager Mawhinney to step down

Andrew Mawhinney

Dundalk Town Centre Commercial Manager Andrew Mawhinney has announced he is to step down from the post he has held since 2009, due to ‘family considerations’.

In making the announcement, he said today “This has not been an easy decision but to due to family considerations I feel that it is the correct choice at this time. “

Mr Mawhinney became the first ever Town Centre Commercial Manager in Dundalk when he was appointed by Dundalk Business Investment District Scheme four years ago.

In that time there have been major changes in the Dundalk Town Centre.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my four years in Dundalk. It has, without a doubt, been my most challenging, though equally satisfying and rewarding, job to date.  The concept of BIDS and Town Centre Commercial Management is always going to be a difficult one to sell especially in this very difficult economic climate.

“I have seen the TCCM office evolve from humble beginnings in the Ramparts to our central location on the Market Square, which has seen a major transformation in recent years and is a project that the entire town can be very proud.

“Finding our niche and particular role in the town centre was, as expected, a challenge. So many businesses are hurting out there and I think we all have to admit there is no magic formula, but I firmly believe that Dundalk is heading in the right direction.

“We have had our successes as well as failures.  Mistakes were made but, more importantly, we learned valuable lessons from them. Some projects had never featured in Dundalk before and, in many instances, have provided a sound base for future development.”

On the changes in Dundalk since his arrival, the Limerick native said: “I believe the town has been a much better place for having Dundalk BIDS. Personal highlights have been seeing the town so busy with people enjoying music and markets like the Seatown Festival and Jedward to fashion shows and watching people enjoying skating round the Square last Christmas.

“The relocation of the tourist office to our office at the Market Square has been a very positive move and the recent publication of the Dundalk Town Tourist Guide is also a wonderful example of everyone working together to produce a quality product and a great advertisement for the town. The arrival of multi-national companies such as PayPal, Prometric , Petsafe and eBay has been a great endorsement  for Dundalk.

“There are many enthusiastic and positive people here in Dundalk with tremendous ideas and energy and it has been a great privilege to work alongside them. The recent business meetings held at the museum and the Lisdoo involving the entire town have been very positive and I have no doubt that Dundalk Bids will continue long into the future.

“Credit must be paid to our Dundalk BIDS Board and in particular its chairperson Brian O’Neill, who, it must be said, has boundless energy and pride in the town. Finally I must thank my work colleagues Fiona and Sinead for their support and patience over our years working side by side.”

He concluded” “I will always have a very soft spot for ‘De Town’ unless, of course they are playing Limerick FC in Oriel Park!

“I look forward to hearing of Dundalk’s future development and successes. It has been an absolute honour to have been a part of its community for four years.”

Brian O’Neill Chairperson of Dundalk BIDS wished Andrew well in his future endeavours and thanked him for his input into Dundalk in recent years.

“I wish good health to Andrew and his wife Barbara and two children. In particular, I wish Barbara a quick recovery. As Andrew leaves our town, I thank him for his commitment to Dundalk and wish him every success in his future.”