County Wexford Chamber hope to unleash greenway potential to boost economy in New Ross
Co Wexford Chamber is planning to drive the night time economy in New Ross over the coming years with a view to seeing businesses capitalise on the greenway’s potential.
Speaking at a meeting with New Ross Municipal District, vice president Lorcan Kinsella said: “20 years ago New Ross was a hive of activity in terms of entertainment when you had the hotel and so many pubs. I know the culture has changed but we also understand that we have one of the biggest things to hit New Ross in 50 years in the greenway.”
He said a sustainable tourism industry working in conjunction with the council and chamber is vitally important for the town.
New Ross Municipal District chairman, Cllr Michael Sheehan said the lack of transportation in the town is a major issue.
“Do we need to look at Local Link. There is a rural scheme for taxis after being announced. People who contact me are only a few kilometres outside the town,” said Cllr Sheehan.
“I think it’s crippling the town: the lack of eateries and the lack of transportation.”
Chamber director Mary Browne said Dungarvan has been hugely successful on the back of having a greenway. She said providing New Ross businesses with figures highlighting the uptick in business in the Co Waterford town could encourage people thinking about opening or developing a business in New Ross to do so.
“Dungarvan is a similar sized town to New Ross. Jenny Beresford (Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber CEO) said whatever you think the potential is you are underestimating it.”
Cllr Pat Barden said people developing properties to use for tourism rental purposes are in the dark about when the greenway will open.
“They have no idea; it’s up in the air as to how soon they should get these properties done to get them ready for the greenway.”
Cllr Anthony Connick said the best part of the greenway will be the 6km urban loop, adding that there needs to be urgency around getting it opened.
Dungarvan is one town which has benefited enormously from having a greenway and Mr Kinsella said there are a lot of learnings for New Ross from the positive experiences of businesses there.
He said the message from Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber CEO Jenny Beresford is ‘start now because they are coming’.
Mr Kinsella said Co Wexford Chamber’s job will be to make New Ross businesses and people thinking about setting up business in New Ross, aware that the chamber is there to engage with them.
He said Ms Beresford is being asked to attend a public meeting in New Ross next month to spread the word about how greenways can benefit towns like New Ross.
New Ross Municipal chairman Cllr Michael Sheehan urged chamber officials to engage with the council’s Greenway Business Development Officer.
Mr Kinsella sought an update about the timeline for the greenway and was told by municipal area manager, Alan Fitzhenry that the council are very eager to see the 6km urban loop (Lot 4) opened.
District director Eamonn Hore said the council are hoping to open the Rosbercon to Glenmore section – which is about six kilometres – this year once car parks are developed in both areas, adding that Lot 4 is with consultants being designed, so won’t be open until late 2024, early 2025.
“We have the money for it. It’s down to the detailed design. There are a lot of structural works to be done on the bridge.”
Cllr Michael Sheehan highlighted dereliction in New Ross, mentioning the old Garage site on the quay, adding that tackling the issue of dereliction is something the council and chamber can work together on.
He said during a meeting with gardaí that day the superintendent spoke of the positive difference the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge has made to New Ross, removing the stigma the town once had as a traffic bottleneck.
Mr Kinsella said there is a New Ross branch chamber meeting soon when a discussion on how to develop the tourism and night time economy in New Ross will be held.
Cllr Anthony Connick said the lack of taxis operating in the evening time in New Ross is a massive problem.
“It comes down to the cost of setting up a taxi; it’s colossal. I have a licence but I wouldn’t even go there because of the cost of setting up insurance.”
He said many taxi drivers have turned to e-vehicles.
“That’s great to see. Many have their own busy business during the day.”