Chamber sets out Agenda.

New Council Members asked to work in Partnership.

All options are left open.

Gorey Chamber has welcomed the election of the Gorey Town Council and the newly expanded Gorey Area Committee of Wexford County Council.

Speaking today, Gorey Chamber Executive commented, "We welcome the newly elected Town Council and Area Committee and look forward to working with them for the next five years."

Looking at the challenges that face, Gorey and North Wexford ,White continued " With the expanding population in North Wexford offering us both challenges and opportunities in the short to medium term Gorey Chamber sees a great future in working in partnership with our new elected representatives"

Setting out its major agenda items into the future Gorey Chamber listed its priorities, including, Urban Council status for Gorey, Movement on Parking proposals and Council/Water Rates Payments.

Continuing White noted "We have been working hard on these items and we feel that movement is now required as a matter of urgency. Rates and their calculation is a very serious issue in the Town. This Town cannot raise its own rate and all money generated leaves Gorey and goes into central coffers in the County Hall. There is a very strong suspicion that Gorey is subsidizing work in the counties three other towns and until information is provided to allow people to see how rates are calculated in Gorey? the level of rate income generated in the Town? and the level of money returned to the Town? this suspicion remains." While not advocating non payment of rates at this stage, White did add "All options however do remain open to individual members and the Chamber including the withholding of payment of rates as it beggar’s belief that no clear information can be obtained from the Council to clarify our concerns".

Continuing White added, "Gorey must be treated as an equal with the other three towns in the county and we look forward to working with the Councillors to advance the town and to obtain Urban Status for the Town.". Before concluding ,White added, " The challenges before us are not insurmountable, Gorey Chamber has belief in the Town and we will work for its future in partnership with Wexford County Council officials and elected members "