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.