In Association with
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS NEWS: CONNAUGHT
[ COUNTY SLIGO ]
[ COUNTY GALWAY ]
SLIGO SCOOPS DIGITAL TOWN ACCOLADE
Galway businesses rebuke rates kike
Sligo has been selected as this year’s Digital Town – an initiative seeking to highlight the economic, social and cultural benefits of the internet to towns across the country, and to ensure SMEs and local economies are realising the full potential of digital technology, particularly e-commerce. Sligo County Council revealed that it had been chosen for its achievements in ‘cultivating a truly digital environment in the town, and for its ongoing success in fully embracing digital for its residents and local businesses’. The initiative is led by IE Domain Registry. The County Council believes that in showcasing Sligo’s efforts, it can inspire other Irish towns to begin their journey to becoming fully digital. Gorey, Co Wexford, was chosen as Ireland’s Digital Town 2018. Findings from IE Domain Registry show that Irish SMEs are not maximising their full e-commerce potential. Ireland’s e-commerce economy is worth €12.3bn, but just 3 in 10 SMEs (30%) can take sales orders, and even fewer can actually process payments for transactions through their website (26%). Almost two-thirds (61%) of SMEs do not promote their services online and just 1 in 10 SMEs have taken part in a digital skills training or business funding programme. Domain registrations are seen as a forward indicator of economic activity. IE Domain Registry data shows 18.6% growth in new .ie domain registrations in Sligo in 2018. Sligo commands a 1.07% share of the total .ie domain database.
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he organisation representing over 400 business in Galway, employing more than 20,000 staff, has come out strongly against the suggestion of an increase in commercial rates. The City Council’s draft budget has recommended an increase of 1.75% which would bring in an additional 780,000 over the course of a year. Dave Hickey, Galway Chamber President, outlined that “Galway Chamber had supported the 3% increase in commercial rates supporting Galway 2020 which is due to expire next year”. He added that “the Chamber supports the proposed continuance of this 3% but that the monies be ringfenced to stimulate economic development and enterprise activities. An additional increase of 1.75% cannot be sustained by business and will translate to job losses and increased pressure on already stretched businesses”. Specifically, in relation to Galway City, the Chamber believes that an increased focus on job creation and enterprise is urgently required along with immediate action on Galway’s ever-worsening traffic congestion – which is having a severe adverse impact on the city’s ability to attract investment. Key to the future success of Galway City and Galway County and growth of income from commercial rates is the support and attraction of enterprises. Local authorities must seek to increase revenue from new enterprise and not further taxation of incumbent enterprises. Galway Chamber will continue to work with all stakeholders in attracting and supporting new enterprise establishing in the city and county.
Sligo scoops Digital Town 2019 Award
InBUSINESS | AUTUMN 2019
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16/10/2019 14:41