Dundalk BIDS annual general meeting

Dundalk BIDS will hold their annual general meeting in the AV Theatre of the County Museum in Jocelyn Street on Thursday August 20^th at 7pm.

The meeting is open to all ratepayers in the administrative area of the former Dundalk Town Council.

The chairperson’s report and the financial report are amongst the items on the agenda.

Dundalk BIDS in need of a new manager

Edel O’Mahony has left her role as Dundalk BIDS manager in recent weeks

The Dundalk Business Investment District Scheme (BIDS) are on the look out for a new manager following the departure of Edel O’Mahony from the role after just six months.

Edel, who had previously worked on the Louth Economic Forum, was only appointed Dundalk BIDS manager last June.

At the time she set a challenge to “build successful relationships and work together effectively for the good of the town” but despite the efforts of her and her team the scheme hasn’t been met with the approval of all retailers.

Many feel they are not getting enough out of the BIDS programme and that not enough is being done to attract both businesses and customers back to the town centre.

It is not yet known if the vacant position will be advertised or not, with some retailers expressing frustration at the lack of answers and updates on the future of BIDS heading into 2015.

Dundalk BIDS manager “thrilled” with turnout at Open Day

Dundalk BIDS manager Edel O’Mahony

Dundalk BIDS manager Edel O’Mahony has said she is thrilled with the response to the recent BIDS Open Day held in the new look BIDS and Tourist Office at the Market Square.

The event also highlighted Dundalk BIDS’ focus on ‘Better Business – Brighter Future’

“It was fantastic to see so many ratepayers as well as town representatives call into the office and was the ideal opportunity to introduce myself and listen to the many views and ideas within Dundalk’s business community,” said Edel.

She added: “I thank everyone who came along in support of Dundalk BIDS along with their views and ideas on how we can all work together for the betterment of Dundalk’s business community”

Edel appointed new Dundalk BIDS manager

New Dundalk BIDS manager Edel O’Mahony. Picture: Arthur Kinahan

Edel O’Mahony is Dundalk’s new Business Investment District Scheme (BIDS) Manager.

With a wealth of business knowledge from a career in both the private and public sector, Edel will lead the Dundalk BIDS team of Fiona Cunningham and Sinead Roche from the BIDS office at the Market Square.

Edel will be known to many in the business sector for her roles with both the Dundalk Economic Development Group, and more recently, the Louth Economic Forum.

While working with the Dundalk Economic Development Group, Edel had a part in developing plans for the Regeneration of the Dundalk Town Centre, the results of which can be seen with the refurbished Market Square. Her work in this area took her to numerous town centres throughout Ireland, and in doing so gave her great insight into tried and tested town centre initiatives. During this time she was also developing marketing and promotional projects for Dundalk.

Her role on the Louth Economic Forum saw her gain considerable experience in a variety of sectors including Indigenous Industry; Tourism & Heritage; Foreign Direct Investment; Agriculture, food and fisheries; Broadband and Sustainable Energy.

Edel is keen to use her ready-made list of contacts for the betterment of the town. She has forged excellent relationships with organisations including Enterprise Ireland, DkIT, Louth County Council, Local Enterprise Office, IDA and Fáilte Ireland.

In addition, Edel has a proven track record in accessing various funding from local, regional, national, EU and international sources.

Speaking on her new position as Dundalk BIDS Manager, Edel described her enthusiasm for the challenging role.

“I’m really looking forward to hitting the ground running. Obviously we are in challenging times but it only makes me more positive that BIDS and the ratepaying community can build successful relationships and work together effectively for the good of the town.

“The ratepayers have voted their support for the independent initiative that is Dundalk BIDS, and so it is vital that I listen to them and take their feedback on board.”

She added that her experience to date is very beneficial to her new post.

“I feel my work in both the private and public sector will be very beneficial to Dundalk BIDS. I’ve already gained a great deal of experience in liaising with various agencies such as all of which is a powerful advantage to my work with Dundalk BIDS.

“I’m a Louth woman and I am no stranger to Dundalk. I went to school here, I’ve worked here, and I live here. I already have an idea of the issues facing the town as well as the many positives that Dundalk has in its favour.”

BIDS Chairperson, Brian O’Neill said of Edel’s appointment: “The BIDS Committee realises Edel’s experience and knowledge on the ongoing development of the town centre can only have an extremely positive effect on Dundalk. We look forward to seeing Dundalk BIDS go from strength to strength, under her management.”

Commercial rates on the rise in Louth

County Manager Philomena Poole

Louth County Council yesterday voted to raise rates for businesses by half a percent.

The increase will see the average ratepayer pay €55.36 a week, instead of the €55.08 they paid this year.

Finance Director Bernie Woods told the meeting that 64% of ratepayers paid less than €50 a week.

The rate increase was passed despite calls from a number of councillors to reduce rates by anything between 2% and 5%.

County Manager Philomena Poole said the rate rise was necessary due to the council’s income falling year-on-year due to the closure of the Whiteriver landfill facility and the reduction in money coming from the local government fund.

Dundalk Town Council will meet to discuss the budget for the town tonight.

Ratepayers vote for five more years of Dundalk BIDS

Dundalk BIDS (Business Investment District Scheme) Chairman, Brian O’Neill, has thanked the ratepayers of the town for a majority vote in favour of supporting the continuation of the Dundalk BIDS initiative.

“I am absolutely delighted to say that Dundalk Town Council has this evening (Tuesday) voted in favour of the continuation of BIDS in Dundalk for a further five years. This follows a ratepayer’s ballot which demonstrated support for Dundalk BIDS and the continued allocation of rates to the scheme.

“It is of the upmost importance at this stage to thank all those ratepayers who voted, and also to the members of Dundalk Town Council for accepting the people’s decision and affirming BIDS future.

The ballot is not the only way in which ratepayers, business owners etc can show their support for Dundalk BIDS, as Brian explained: “The vote in favour of Dundalk BIDS means we can now work together in the five years ahead for the betterment of our town, its businesses and its people.

“For BIDS to be the best it can be we need to get as many people as possible involved. Let us come and share our ideas and thoughts and let us help each other.”

The vote in favour of BIDS for five more years has also strengthened the future of the Dundalk Tourist Office, Brian added.

“Dundalk BIDS was integral to the re-location of the Tourist Office back to the Market Square. This office has now become a focal point for the many tourists who are visiting the area, boosting footfall in the town centre.

“Its continued future at the Square is further strengthened with this week’s successful vote.”

Fiona Cunningham of BIDS also thanked those who voted in favour of the scheme.

“We have had a tremendous few weeks in Dundalk with Dundalk on Ice, the Festival of Lights and of course the amazing response to the Santa Fun Run.
These events demonstrated what we can do. They are not down to one person but a fantastic community of which Dundalk BIDS plays a vital role.

“This ratepayers vote and the support of the Town Council means Dundalk BIDS will be at the heart of Dundalk initiatives for another five years.”

Related articles

• Dundalk ratepayers urged to vote yes to BIDS (talkofthetown.ie)