The Co Mayo tourist town of Westport has not been immune to the downturn in the economy. Sixteen businesses have closed over the past two years, whilst several more are struggling to stay afloat, according to a survey by the town's chamber of commerce.
A survey also reveals that 75 per cent of a group of workers had to buy their homes in Castlebar because of Westport's inflated property prices. The Manor Village, an estate on the outskirts of Castlebar, is known as "Little Westport".
The removal of a proposed population cap of 6,000 people along with the increased rezoning of residential and commercial property is viewed by the chamber as a positive and essential amendment to the Draft Development Plan 1998. The Town Council is expected to vote on the "submissions and reservations" during February.
"It is time to clear up the myth that Westport is a boom town," said Dr Oliver Whyte, president of the Chamber of Commerce. "The fact that it is buzzing for a few months of the year is no consolation to retailers who have to survive on lean pickings off season."
The majority of businesses which ceased trading were from the clothing and restaurant sector. The chamber, which employed a group of professionals to study the draft plan, concludes that the town's indigenous population must be increased to maintain trade in the tourism, retail and industrial sectors throughout the year.
"It is difficult to maintain and develop a business when rents are as high as Ranelagh, for example," said Mr Redmond Cabot, who recently opened Cabot's House of Wine on Bridge Street. "Perhaps the council should examine a rent ceiling which would reflect the seasonal trade."
Mr Cabot believes young entrepreneurs find it difficult to "break in" to the town's commercial sector since it is owned largely by a handful of business people. He says it is important that small businesses should be allowed make a positive input to the town's development.