“A subsequent application was lodged to develop a large retail store, a six screen cinema and other various retail outlets to be commenced within one year. As part of the lease agreement a clause was included to impose penalties if construction on site did not commence within year one as agreed, this was at a cost of €100,000 per annum. “Those familiar with the Southern Cross area will know that such a development was widely welcomed and anticipated due to the absence of any such services in the area.
“Over nine years later and much to the frustration of those living in the area, the site remains vacant. With that, Freedom of Information documents confirm that the company have not paid one cent in penalties as stipulated by their lease. In fact, Nechouka have been allowed to accrue monies outstanding to the Council of €750,000 over the past seven years. “Despite this, Nechouka remains a registered limited company and is profitable.
Cllr Michael O’Connor added: “As a public representative for the Southern Cross area, I am constantly being contacted by residents looking for basic services for their community. I have been requesting monies from Wicklow County Council for these facilities, services and minor necessities in Southern Cross and time and time again, these requests are rejected due to financial reasons. The latest request rejected due to cost implications was for litter bins for the area.
Teachta Brady concluded: “The Council’s excuse of having no money available for such requests will no longer wash with the community and a couple of friendly reminder letters to the company is clearly achieving nothing. “Wicklow County Council must now explain why they are allowing a two tier payment structure, one for ordinary taxpayers and another for big business. While, the people of Wicklow are being crippled paying property taxes and commercial rates, big businesses are allowed to ignore hundreds of thousands of euro owed to the Council without any repercussions.”
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