Mayo chamber in plans to rebuild commercial sector

As the numbers of vaccinations continue to be rolled out and talks to get indoor dining reopened, Castlebar Chamber is looking ahead to plan for a more normal business environment for the coming autumn and winter to help rebuild Castlebar town as the main commercial centre in Mayo.

"The drive will help draw in significant footfall and push spending in our town, " said Castlebar Chamber president Bernard Hughes.

Talks are already in place with a promoter to facilitate the return of the very popular and successful Mayo on Ice event this Christmas.

Previously this event ran for three years but had to be postponed last year due to Covid.

The Mayo on Ice skating rink situated on the Mall ran over three years from 2017, attracting close to 25,000 visitors to the town each December, creating a welcome financial boost for local business.

It is understood that the event and operation will be subject to any health and safety guidelines that will be required at that time.

"Before Covid, Castlebar had turned a corner commercially and it is vital that we get that edge back as quickly as possible as we continue to return to more normal business times," said Mr. Hughes.

While Mayo on Ice is badged as a key event in upcoming plans, Castlebar Chamber are looking at a number of other potential projects to help energise the business community, which the lifting of restrictions will hopefully allow for.

"We are also looking for and interested in talking to like-minded people who may have ideas to help or promote Castlebar and would welcome their involvement," he said. The idea is to be in a position to introduce these as soon as guidelines and restrictions allow.