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Here's to 2010!
Although for many of us 2010 has started off slowly, not helped at all by the weather, we need to take a positive view on the year ahead. The general economic situation seems to be stabilised and government spending is being brought under control. This year, our Chamber will seek to portray a positive image for the town and build on the efforts of 2009. Nearly all Chamber members could improve business by looking to other local businesses for support and custom. We will seek to foster those opportunities for us all.
I take this opportunity to ask you to support the Chamber by joining as a Member in 2010. The cost is minimal but without financial support our efforts are restricted - with support we can do more with the time we volunteer to the Chamber.
Rates Re-Valuation & Appeals |
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Everyone should now have received the Valuation certificates detailing your new rates valuation, if not, contact the Rates Valuation Office immediately as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the certificate, not theirs.
If you wish to wish to appeal that valuation, the strict deadline is 8th February 2010. The form of appeal is attached to the valuation certificate and this must be returned, together with the appropriate fee. The grounds of appeal must be stated in the appeal form and it is essential that as wide a grounds as possible is included as a further appeal cannot be based on any additional grounds, should it be necessary to make such further appeals at a later stage.
This is the first stage of appeal of the decision of the Valuation Office. However, if an appeal is not made, the further stages of an appeal cannot be used. Following receipt of this appeal, the Commissioner will, within six months, rule on the appeal. If the ratepayer is still unhappy with the outcome of this appeal, a further appeal can then be made to the Valuation Tribunal and should the decision of the Tribunal still be unsatisfactory, a final appeal, on a point of law lies with the High Court. (Source IHF)
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DART Timetable Change adversely affects Business in Malahide |
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Late in 2009 Iarnrod Éireann made a number of changes to the DART Timetable for Malahide. This had had an adverse effect of a number of businesses. The changes mean there are large gaps at peak times in the mornings and evening. This in turn means that staff travelling to work in Malahide are faced with difficulties in getting to and from work at the appropriate times.
The Chamber, along with local public representatives, has canvassed Iarnrod Éireann but as yet the timetable remains the same. If you are experiencing any of these difficulties please email Garry Keegan at Iarnrod Éireann with your concerns and copy the Chamber so that we also are aware of any problems you are experiencing.
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Managing Uncertainty |
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If you are one of the majority businesses facing tough times, then please ensure that the difficulties are dealt with as soon as possible. Delaying facing up to decisions is not an option. Some items for you to consider are:
- Rearrange Bank facilities: its best to start talking to your bank before a critical situation is reached.
- Review State-related payments: If you have payment problems with rates, tax etc., contact the relevant office before they contact you.
- Minimise Cash Out-flow: review credit policy, look at your main costs including wages.
- Maximise Cash In-flow: look at special offers and cash collection.
- Review Marketing plans: ensure any spend is well focused and can pay for itself.
- Review Projections and Business Plans: always know where you business is heading with good projections of your cash and profit positions. At the moment, cash is the more important.
- Engage with your staff and explain the situation.
- Join the Chamber and see what we can do together.
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Broomfield Local Area Plan |
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The Chamber has made a submission on the Broomfield LAP. This is a plan to decide on rezoning an area on the Back Road/Kinsealy Lane for 380 housing units. Essentially we have asked that this space be looked at to provide an opportunity to develop a ‘Relief’ road around the village core. This would be a long term project but would bring great benefits to our congested town centre. The Chamber continues in its campaign for improvements in traffic management and parking which we know are central issues for most of our retail members.
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Christmas Light Sponsors - a very BIG thank you |
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Last year the Chamber needed to reinvest in the town’s Christmas lights. This was a difficult decision as it would require a large capital outlay. However, due to the voluntary efforts of Gerry Walsh and his team we were able to proceed with the start of a 3 year project to change all the lights and gradually expand their coverage. Even with voluntary help, nothing would be possible without financial support. We are particularly grateful to Fingal County Council for €2,500 of the €9,000 required this year (down from €14,000 or 35% in 2008).
While the Lights benefited many businesses and the general community, those who paid for them as of today were:
Major Sponsors
Fingal County Council
Malahide Forum
Gibney’s Pub
Duffy’s Pub
Grand Hotel
Bank of Ireland
AIB Bank
Tony Byrne Menswear
Sponsors
Aspire Wealth Management
David G. Moran & Company
Devaney & Partners
Eugene Berry MIPAV
Finprint
Grove Cleaners
Intern-National Ireland
Investa Property Partners
Irish College Of English
Kajjal Restaurant
M P Black & Co
Malahide Credit Union
Malahide Florist
Malahide Travel Worldwide
Malahide United AFC
Martin Kennedy & Co.
Mccabes Pharmacy
O'Briens Off Licence
O'Dwyer & Associates Architects
O'Farrell Cleere
Ophelia Lingerie
Rooney Shoe Repair
Shoe B Doo
Stepz Shoes
That's Amore
The Medical Hall
The Paperweight
Village Books
Village Meats
Wind Prospect Ireland Limited
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