Roscommon businessman offers building rent free to create jobs

A CO Roscommon businessman is offering a landmark building in his home town, the former Rockingham Arms pub in Boyle, rent free to create jobs.

Gerard Kelly said that too many shops have closed down in his native town. Now in an attempt to create employment, and rather than see the premises become rundown, he is offering potential retailers free rent for one year.

Mr Kelly reckons there is nothing revolutionary about what he is doing and predicts that it will be a growing trend.  “I think it will be pretty commonplace. I have already seen free rent being advertised in other local towns.

His premises on the corner of Bridge Street and the Carrick Road has probably reflected all the changing  economic trends of recent times having operated as an estate agent’s and an internet cafe in the decade since pints stopped flowing there.

Now in what is being billed as “a sign of the times” a large advertisement, prominently placed in the shop window offering free rent, has passers-by doing a double take.

“My family has made a good living in Boyle over the years and I feel that if I could help get a business off the ground  and maybe even create a few jobs it’s better than having yet another shop closed up.”

While Boyle Chamber of Commerce has launched a successful initiative in recent months which has seen many shop fronts brightened up, the shutters are down on dozens of retail outlets.

“If you read the small print you will see that I am asking for a deposit to make sure whoever takes the building is committed,” Mr Kelly pointed out.

After just over a week he has been far from inundated, with just three inquiries so far.

Anyone who does decide to take the plunge will not be facing a sharp shock at the end of 12 months.

“It’s free for a year and after that we will be prepared to negotiate, but I can guarantee it won’t be over €100 a week,” said Mr Kelly.