Process of balloting Clonmel's ratepayers on BID proposal kicks off

The process of conducting a plebiscite of Clonmel's ratepayers on whether a Business Improvement District company should be established to help improve the town’s prosperity and vibrancy, is commencing this week.

The proponents of Clonmel BID issued a written notice to Tipperary County Council on Wednesday, March 18 to initiate the plebiscite.

The postal ballot of the town’s ratepayers will take place between April 14 and May 13.

Ratepayers will be sent a pre-paid envelope and invited to post their ballot to the Council’s Civic Offices in Clonmel by the deadline date.

The ballot will be run by Tipperary County Council, independent of the BID proponents, who comprise a a range of local business people, County Tipperary Chamber CEO Michelle Aylward and Clonmel Town Team Chairman Noel Buckley.

This significant development follows the completion of the Clonmel BID public consultation process and comes just over a week after 100 local business people attended an information and consultation meeting about the plebiscite and BID initiative in the Talbot Hotel in Clonmel.

Clonmel Town Team Chairman Noel Buckley was delighted with the turnout to the meeting on March 9, which he described as being very positive with a lot of energy and enthusiasm for the BID proposal.

He said people at the meeting expressed the view that the time for complaining about what was wrong with the town was over.

“They were delighted that people were not gathering to complain but to talk about what can we do for the town.

“They see BID as an opportunity for business people to come together. They want to focus on the problems with an eye on solutions rather that just focusing on the problems.

“One guy made the point that you don’t have a right to complain unless you are willing to be part of the solution.”

Ratepayers participated in table discussions during the information meeting to share ideas and priorities for the future development of the town centre.

Mr Buckley outlined that several consistent priorities emerged from those discussions including the need for stronger marketing and promotion of Clonmel, more events and festivals to drive footfall and improving the appearance and environment of the town centre.

Ratepayers also identified the development of tourism opportunities linked to heritage, food and outdoor activities, practical supports for local businesses and addressing safety, accessibility and parking issues in the towns as priorities.

Mr Buckley said it was stressed at the meeting that a Clonmel BID company, if it’s established, won’t take on any of the work that Clonmel Borough District does.

He also pointed out in relation to the plebiscite that ratepayers have one vote per rateable property they own. This means if you have three rateable properties, you will have three votes.

He urged ratepayers to vote in the ballot and approve the BID proposal.

“We are always saying somebody else should do something about the town, be it the Government or Council.

“This is an opportunity for business people to build strategic partnerships with the likes of the Council and others to deal with the challenges.”

Clonmel Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy is supporting the BID initiative.

He said it was not about shifting responsibility or imposing unnecessary cost but about “empowering local businesses to take charge of their own trading environent and create a thriving and attractive town centre”.

He cited the example of Sligo BID company, which he said has transformed Sligo’s profile and atmosphere with marketing campaigns bringing in new visitors, targeted events boosting footfall, and improved streetscapes enhancing the shopping and dining experience.

“Businesses there have seen tangible returns on their contributions through increased trade and a stronger sense of community purpose,” he said.

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