Public Meeting on Economic Crisis in Ireland

'Businesses In Crisis' public meeting held in Drogheda, Co.Louth, Ireland to discuss solutions to the current economic strife of the region. Drogheda, Ireland. 09/03/2010.

A public meeting was held on Tuesday March 9th in Drogheda ,Co.Louth, Ireland to discuss the current economic crisis on a local level.
The meeting began with a presentation of grim statistics presented by Patricia Rooney President of the Drogheda Chamber of Commerce.
The mood in the room was tense and one of resignation as most people winced and were visibly uncomfortable as they listened to the facts and figures (pic #3 Darren Hughes of Drogheda Independent)
After the initial shock of the presentation passed speakers from the floor began to give their opinions on what needs to be done to turn this situation around at a local and a national level. (Pic #4 Economist Pat McCloughan author of Indecon Report gives his views on the current situation)
The mood remained depressed as the microphone was passed from speaker to speaker (Pic#5 audience look at the floor as they listen). Before the meeting there was speculation by many that this would be an angry meeting with retailers and business people venting their frustration. Feelings of all concerned have clearly moved beyond anger to hopelessness as the general consensus in the room was that neither the local government or national government are either willing or capable to take the necessary measures to improve conditions for small and medium size businesses as well as larger industry. (Pic#6 Peter McCloskey business owner expresses his views)
The meeting was held as an exercise by the Chamber of Commerce to collect ideas and solutions to present to government representatives, authorities, business groups and banks, to begin a process of stimulation within the economy. (Pic #7 Denise Fay of Achieve Marketing takes note of issues raised by those in attendance)
(Pic#8 Dejected audience listen to debate)
(Pic#9 Senator Mark Dearey of The Green Party in attendance at the Business In Crisis public meeting at the Barbican Theatre, Drogheda on 9th March 2010)
Before calling the meeting to a close Patricia Rooney of Drogheda Chamber of Commerce urged the business community to come together as a group to bring forward solutions to the current situation. Few at the meeting felt that this public meeting will contribute in any significant way to haulting the rapid decline in the local enonomy. Most would share the hope that this could be the start of a process of co-operation and pro-activity that may eventually make a significant change. The proceedings end with a polite round of applause from both the business community and elected representatives.
(Pic#10 Cllrs Oliver Tully and Frank Maher of Drogheda Borough Council applaud the closing address)