Survey of Northside businesses launched

LABOUR TD Aodháin � Ríordáin launched a business survey of local SMEs across the Northside last week in a bid to identify the key issues they currently face.

The Dublin Bay North TD is surveying more than 1,000 businesses in the local area as part of a campaign to raise awareness of various challenges and schemes that are available to help SMEs.

Speaking after the survey launch, Deputy � Ríordáin said:

“Since I was elected to the Dáil I have met with many businesses that are in difficult financial situations. This is due to a number of factors ranging from an inability to access credit to reduced demand from customers.

“As a result, many are struggling to keep their doors open.

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He stressed that business closures need to be avoided and feedback from local companies was essential.

“I am hopeful that the survey will provide some valuable information as to the nature of the problems affecting our local SMEs and, in doing so, paint a substantial picture of the current state of play in the local business sector,

? he added.

“Small but tangible signs of improvement are beginning to emerge in the economy – but more needs to be done to get the Northside back on its feet.

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Deputy � Ríordáin feels it is also crucial that local businesses are fully aware of the various programmes and incentives available to help them, such as the Micro-Finance Fund, Credit Guarantee Scheme and various tax reliefs.

“I have posted information on these schemes, along with the survey itself, on my website where local business people are free to access them. This is all part of my determination to get the Northside working again and help local SMEs, which are the bedrock of our economy.

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To take part in the survey, visit www.aodhanoriordain.ie