Big reversal in Mayo town's retail fortunes

THE trend of shop closures in Castlebar has been reversed, the local Chamber of Commerce is reporting.

Research conducted by the organisation shows that 25 new businesses opened over the past 12 months with 15 occurring since the start of 2016. The new outlets include multinationals such as TK Maxx and Homestore & More.

Stated Wilson Bird, chamber president: “It is great to see the addition of these businesses and highlights the growth and demand in the town which is attracting these multinationals as well as our own home grown entrepreneurs to set up business in Castlebar.”

Ellison Street has seen a boost in new businesses with the Tattoo Shop and local man Eoin Heverin’s startup business Tell My Storybook, which featured on Dragons’ Den, adding to the existing businesses.

Station Road has witnessed the redevelopment of Cathal Duffy’s to Maxol Mace, Insomnia and Morish Deli. New businesses have developed in the industrial estates surrounding the town as well as Thomas Street with the addition of Dearbhla Friel Properties in June.

Four new restaurants have also opened, Montana Steak House & Grill, Spice House, McHugh’s Restaurant and Rocco’s Pizza, with three more expected in the coming months.

Castlebar is seen as a sporting town and this is evident with the addition of businesses such as Andy Moran’s Healthquarters, Bonco Wellness and Functional Fitness.

Castlebar is set to be the capital of sport in Mayo with the new swimming complex and outdoor education centre set to open shortly.

Hopkins Road is still going from strength to strength with almost full capacity in retail units with the addition of Petals Hair & Beauty and Holland and Barrett this year.

The town also is starting to see the benefit from the rolling out of fibre broadband. This will also help attract new businesses and start-ups such as Stephen Connolly’s Room 217 web solutions, the new fibre allowing his business to connect with businesses in the UK and the US.

Home Instead opened their office in February and are currently employing 21 people in either a part or full-time capacity. They are part of a worldwide home care franchise and are the 22nd Home Instead office in Ireland.

The chamber is aware of 10 new businesses set to open in late 2016 and early 2017. The Main Street is going to see a massive benefit with Ivan Carroll of The Bay Leaf Restaurant opening his new business along with Dermot Fadden of 6th Sense/Faddens and, directly opposite, McCarthy’s is reopening shortly.

Two businesses opened on Main Street earlier this year with three additional retail units expected to open on Main Street in 2017.

“These welcome developments are further evidence of Castlebar’s compelling proposition to start-ups and the fortitude and resilience of its traders.

“The town now needs to position itself as the second retail and commercial town in Connaught after Galway,” added Mr. Bird.