Soft Christmas sales prompt call for infrastructure spending ahead of tax cuts
Legacy of downturn has created discount-focused shoppers who browse both online and in store
Embattled retailers are demanding urgent investment on transport infrastructure over tax cuts following a disappointing Christmas.
Dublin Chamber's public affairs director Graeme McQueen fears the capital will rapidly fall behind in competitiveness without a significant upgrade in public transport.
McQueen's concern follows worryingly flat sales figures this Christmas - despite thecity council citing a healthy retail sector as key to Dublin's success.
Some 18 months on fromthe closure of iconic department store Clerys on O'Connell Street, Dublin retailers continue to trade in a tough environment, facing competition both from sterling's collapse and the ongoing migration to online shopping.
