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Town Clock to remain closed

Posted Saturday, May 8, 2010

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Town Clock

We told you a few weeks back (although it was well known in Moville) that the Town Clock re-opening was imminent.

Well that's not going to happen now.

The people who had wanted to lease it had trouble getting the alcohol licence which was lost when the previous couple left.

Staying Shut

Now, it looks as if it is likely to stay shut for a while.

That's a shame as there is not a restaurant in Moville's main square now with the Foyle Hotel remaining shut too.

Except for the chip shops and cafes, Rosatos and the Caiseal Mara are the only eating places left in town now.

That's no good for a supposed holiday town.

The Cost

The big problem with the Town Clock re-opening is the cost.

When the previous lessors took it over they had to pay an initial fee of €75,000 and then €1,000 a week.

That's an awful lot of food to sell as well as staff costs and overheads.

Cost Cut

The cost was cut this time to a down payment of €60,000 and a weekly fee of €800 - a reduction of 20%.

However, with the recession getting older now and the last two lessors of the place going under there are fewer takes now.

We have been told, though, that those figures may be negotiable.

Holiday Town

It's a great cost to Moville as a holiday town.

A lot of people used to come over on the ferry for the day and into Moville for a something to eat.

The summer season is coming with the festivals.

Problem

The lack of pubs will be a problem, with the Waterfront, Foyle, Town Clock and Hair of the Dog all shut.

That's a lot fewer pubs to pay for events like the DylanFest and the BeatlesFest.

The lack of restaurant outlets will be a problem too for festival attenders.

Thank God for Rosatos.

Moville could do with a break.