Flynn calls for rates freeze for businesses affected by refugee crisis
Cllr Peter Flynn
A Westport-based councillor has proposed a rates moratorium on businesses affected by the refugee crisis in Mayo.
Cllr Peter Flynn said the refugee crisis has greatly impacted on tourism in the county and received additional information that between international protection applicants and Ukrainians, that 5,992 refugees are in Mayo. Of that number, 3,664 are in tourist locations.
Cllr Flynn said that as a result, roughly 1,800 people every night are not coming to the county and it is having a massive impact.
“Even if people are spending only €100 per night, that’s €180,000. That’s not just hotel and pubs but there is a knock on downstreet businesses like barbers, coffee and salons,” said Cllr Flynn.
He cited a report in the Irish Times from May 2023 that saw Westport ranked second in terms of the number of tourism jobs displaced in the county and Ballina ranked 11th.
Cllr Michael Kilcoyne said that the number of restaurants, bicycle shops and coffee shops closing down is concerning, and the VAT rate is not helping either.
Deirdre Finnerty, head of community engagement, clarified the number from CSO data that the number is just over 4,800, but that’s PPSN numbers issued.
Another data sheet received last Thursday is showing a figure of just over 2,800 who are in tourist locations in Mayo. The number does not take into account refugees who could be in private homes.
“They can move on and be in another county. It’s a movable number.” Cllr Flynn proposed that a five-year rates moratorium on any business, tourism, service or trade who have been affected by the refugees crisis in Mayo and that they write to the four local TDs, two senators and Minister for Tourism Simon Coveney.
The proposal was seconded by Cllr Christy Hyland.
