User:rorynoonanDate:20/03/2013Time:08:19:42Edition:20/03/2013Wedwedecho200313Page:1Color:
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013
RRP: e1.50
EDITION NO. 34,864
Serving Cork for 120 years
Lying vacant Call to open up city’s 20% unoccupied shops
THE increasing number of By ALAN HEALY vacant shops and offices in Cork city centre has led to calls for a renewed effort from land- wants all stakeholders to come togethlords, retailers and the City er to solve the problem and has urged Council to seek out and assist landlords to reduce rents and called on NAMA to get proactive in securing tennew tenants. The recent closure of HMV on Patrick Street and Fitzgerald Electrical on Grand Parade has brought the growing problem into sharp focus. Our photographs here and inside illustrate the number of empty premises that now exist on some of Cork’s busiest and most prominent streets. A recent survey carried out by the council shows that the city centre has an average vacancy rate of 20% with some streets such as Grand Parade with a 25% vacancy rate. The Lord Mayor John Buttimer
ants for the buildings it controls in Cork. The City Council has also engaged consultants to prepare a strategy report that will assess the number of vacant buildings and make recommendations on how to get more of them occupied. “Nobody wins with an empty premises and it also impacts on business levels nearby,� the Lord Mayor said. “Cork is an excellent place to work, shop and relax, but the increasing vacancy level is concerning.� � See pages 10 and 11.
Fox found hanging from bus stop A DEAD fox was discovered hanging from a tree near a bus shelter in Mayfield yesterday The animal had been stuffed in a plastic bag and was hanging by its neck from a chain.
The Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are now appealing for any information that would lead to the discovery of those responsible. â—? See page two.
3,000 expected to march against Property Tax bill 20.03.13 Recommended retail price â‚Ź1.50
A PROTEST against the Property Tax is organised for the city centre this weekend with organisers hoping more than 3,000 people will take part. The Cork branch of the Campaign Against Home and Water Taxes are calling on Cork people to take part in Saturday’s
protest, which will begin at Connolly Hall at 2pm. More than 1,000 postcards protesting against the tax have been sent to Junior Minister Kathleen Lynch, signed by Cork people and posted by the CAHWT. â—? See page two.
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