It's all go for Castlebar's Christmas Ice Rink

THE official go-ahead has been given for the staging of an ice rink at the Mall in Castlebar for Christmas 2017.

The event will be hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce over a period of six weeks during the festive season. It will operate mostly in the evening time.

A promoter will run the amenity on the chamber's behalf and members of the public will be invited to book sessions on line.

Councillor Martin McLoughlin, cathaoirleach, Castlebar Municipal District, described the initiative as 'a game changer' for the county town on the lead-up to Christmas as well as during the school holidays.

“We met the officials of the organsiation and asked them to come up with a good idea and, if they did, that we would back it. That has certainly come to fruition now.”

Ann Sweeney, senior executive engineer, said she is satisfied that no damage will be caused to the grass surface of the Mall as a result of staging the event.

She confirmed it is also planned to open up the military barracks to accommodate extra parking needs during the time the rink is in town.

Councillor Al McDonnell welcomed the initiative. He said every November the elected members considered way of attracting more people to their town's carparks and that will be a concern this year.

“I am sure it will be a massive success,” he added.

Councillor Cyril Burke praised the members of the chamber of commerece for the vision and direction.

“I believe Castlebar will be stealing a march on Galway and other major shopping towns in the west of Ireland this Christmas.”

Councillor Frank Durcan said the issue of traffic management needed to be considered while Councillor Blackie Gavin expressed his delight that all initial concerhns had been addressed.

Official of Mayo County Council are due to meet again with the promoter in the coming week.