Businesses struggle to stay afloat during waterworks

Worried Ratoath businesses have threatened to withhold commercial and water rates, amid predictions of huge business losses due to works, which started on Monday.

Work on the replacement of water pipes in the centre of the village, began on Monday, fueling fears that hundreds of thousands  of euros worth of business will be lost during the operation.
A petition signed by a large number of the businesses in the village has called for the work to be carried out at night to avoid disruption.
There have been lengthy traffic delays through the village, since the work began.
Michael Toolan owner of a launderette/dry cleaners on the Main Street in Ratoath  is deeply concerned at the damage the work will do to businesses in the area.
"The disruption could lead to huge fall off in trade, unemployment for my staff, and possibly even closure," he warned. 
"There are big delays, there will be water outages and all the parking spaces outside my shop are gone.
"I do not know if the people in power realise the severity or gravity of the situation, but I and many other business owners and service providers do. We’re very worried."
Local businesswoman, Edel Daly, warned that businesses would lose 10 to 25 per cent of their trade during the work, and said they had already lost a lot through eight water outages already this year and a fortnight of disruption last year.
"This could be avoided if the work could be carried out at night," she pointed out.
"Some of my clients have said that they will be going elsewhere, because of the delays," she said. 
"We want to stress that Ratoath is still open for business and we would urge people to continue to come into Ratoath and support local business," she said.
Cllr Nick Killian said “I share the concerns of the business community facing into 12 weeks of disruption which they have no doubt will affect their income stream," he said. 
A spokesperson for Meath County Council said the works are necessary to address the low water pressure experienced in many parts of Ratoath and Kilbride at times of peak demand and also to facilitate the continued development and growth of the area.
"There will be some disruption to traffic while these necessary works are undertaken but, the Council working with Irish Water are endeavouring to ensure that this is minimised.
“The continued cooperation and understanding of the many residents, businesses and commuters is much appreciated while these essential works that will benefit all, are undertaken," she said.