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Traders rally to give town centre a boost Wednesday, 26th June, 2013. Vol. 6, Issue 26 • 63 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel: 042 9320888. Fax: 042 9329676. Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com
By Niamh Kirk
Dundalk retailers and community leaders are galvanising and aiming to inject a renewed sense of vitality into the retail sector in the town centre. Just like every town in Ireland Dundalk has suffered a catastrophic slump in retail, with the result that many businesses are operating on survival mode, barely able to keep their premises open. The Dundalk Development plan 2009-2015 notes that, “The viability and vitality of any town centre is a barometer of the overall health and well being of the entire town.” and as a result, interested groups are coming together to reinvigorate the town retail sector. Having witnessed at first
hand the challenges that have been presented in recent years, the retailers, Tidy Towns committees, businesses and social leaders are coming together to turn it around. “The past five months have seen the worst trading for Dundalk Town Centre Retail since the financial crisis started. This has reached crisis levels and is forcing many businesses to let staff go or even close down completely,” explained Edward Boyd of the Clanbrassil Street Centre. “The problems are many fold, but most importantly there has been a severe drop in customer footfall and customer spending. This must be reversed,” he added. Continued on page 4
Dundalk iPhone Repairs
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Texaco, Newry Road Filling Station
Tel 042 933 8312 We now unlock iPhones iPhone Screens from €50
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See the fantastic selection of Care Chairs and Adjustable Beds, all at SALE prices and available for immediate delivery
Credit Union quiz final
Tennis club celebrate 100 years
The Blackrock Raft Race took place on Sunday with all the usual thrills and spills. See pages 10 & 12
Eamonn O’Boyle takes Council chair
CLLR Eamonn O’Boyle was last night chosen as the newly elected Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Town Council. The Fine Gael councillor
will chair what looks to be the final year for the town council with plans to abolish the local authority high on Minister Hogan’s agenda.
Cllr O’Boyle said it would be an honour to chair the Town Council in what he described were challenging times. See page 2
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