Up to 400 jobs are forecast for Castlebar
THE president of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce is forecasting the creation of up to 400 jobs in the county town in 2016.
Speaking to The Connaught Telegraph, Wilson Bird explained that 37 new jobs have already been created through the opening of the new TK Maxx store at the old Homebase site in the Lannagh Road Retail Park.
In addition, 110 jobs will be created at the new primary care centre and 40 more at McGrath’s recycling centre.
He continued: “The reopening of the popular McCarthy’s Bar on Main Street will see further job creation and there’s a huge jobs boost in the pipeline at the former Volex plant.
“There are also two substantial developments happening off Main Street and three more major projects that we’re aware of are at an advanced stage.
'There’s a noticeable increase in demand within the construction industry in and around Castlebar at present and undoubtedly we’re beginning to see a real upturn in the economy in the county town.”
Within his own control, Mr. Bird stated that Breaffy House Resort will create at least 20 new jobs in the coming weeks and he spoke of the importance of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the town.
“When a new business opens, big job numbers make the headlines. But what’s equally important, what’s happening in Castlebar at the moment, is the creation of an additional one, two and three jobs within individual SMEs. All of this plays a role in boosting the economy in Castlebar.”
The Chamber of Commerce is working closely with the Intreo Office to develop links with the business community in Castlebar.
“Intreo is a service from the Department of Social Protection and is a single point of contact for all employment and income supports. Designed to provide a more streamlined approach, Intreo offers practical, tailored employment services and supports for jobseekers and employers alike,” he explained.
“As well, we are working closely with Keith Harford, a retail business advisor, who will be carrying out a retail survey in the town.
“We’re starting to see positive growth in job creation in Castlebar, with new businesses opening and others growing.
'The Chamber is forecasting the creation of up to 400 new jobs in the county town in 2016 and we will continue to work with these and other businesses to ensure the message goes out loud and clear that Castlebar is very much open for business,” Mr. Bird added.