Strabane businesses cautioned on consequences of NO vote to BID
9 October 2026
Business owners in Strabane are being cautioned that a failure to secure a YES vote in the upcoming Love Strabane renewal ballot could leave the town centre isolated, unrepresented, and missing out regeneration opportunities.
Business owners in Strabane are being cautioned that a failure to secure a YES vote in the upcoming Love Strabane renewal ballot could leave the town centre isolated, unrepresented, and missing out regeneration opportunities.
With the ballot underway to secure a vital third term (2026–2031) for the town’s Business Improvement District (BID), Love Strabane is reminding them what is at stake and the negative impact a No vote could have on the town.
Dr Kieran Kennedy, MBE, Chair of Love Strabane explained that a No vote risks dismantling over a decade of hard-fought progress, including the loss of a collective voice for Strabane and halting the collaborative marketing campaigns that keep Strabane on the map.
Highlighting the critical role the organisation plays in navigating difficult economic climates, Kieran Kennedy said the absence of BID would be damaging to the town and encouraged businesses across all sectors to vote Yes.
One business owner who does see the benefit of BID is Sean McGarrigle of The Thirsty Filly. He is fully behind the campaign to Vote Yes and is encouraging other businesses to get on board and support it also.
He said: “Love Strabane do fantastic work promoting local businesses and showcasing everything the town has to offer. We’ve really appreciated being included in the Christmas promotional videos and marketing across a wide range of platforms, and being nominated for the Strabane BID Business of the Year award was a great boost for us at The Thirsty Filly. It’s reassuring to know that there is an organisation actively working to support businesses and provide a collective voice for traders, especially during what are challenging times for town centres.”
Kieran Kennedy said that rejecting the plan would mean turning backward at a time when Strabane needs unity most. He said without the structured backing, dedicated funding, and professional destination marketing delivered by Love Strabane, individual businesses would have to face future economic challenges entirely on their own, severely weakening the town's competitive edge against neighbouring regions
Terry Mahon of Mahon’s Engineering is a local businesses that is very supportive of BID and feels its important the town returns a Yes Vote. He said: “The next five years present huge opportunities for Strabane and Love Strabane has a key role to play in helping businesses benefit, so I'll be voting YES."
Reflecting on a decade of delivery, Lesley Mealiff of Cilento Designer Wear said: “Love Strabane has delivered over the past ten years and I believe it can deliver even more in the future, so I'll be voting YES."
Eligible businesses are urged to read the comprehensive proposal and ensure they cast a YES vote before the ballot closes.
To view the full Business Plan and understand how a YES vote protects Strabane’s commercial future, visit: www.lovestrabane.com/business-plan/
Ends