New Castlebar chamber president concerned by threat of online shopping

THE newly-elected president of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce has called for public support for local retailers dealing with the growing threat of online shopping.

John Mulroy, who operates a public house and restaurant at Main Street, said local businesses are beginning to feel the benefits of the post-recession economic pick-up.

But there is still a long way to go before confidence is fully restored.

He told The Connaught Telegraph: “On-line shopping is really hitting many of our shops hard and it is something that should to be considered by the community. We need to support our own retail sector in order for it to thrive again.”

Mr. Mulroy said the new IDA Technology Park at Breaffy Road provided optimism that a significant number of new jobs will be rolled out in the near future.

“The chamber will be keeping a close eye on the situation in the hope that a tenant for the plant is found fairly soon.

"Castlebar is a great town in which to do business and the facilities are second to none. The outlook is positive overall.”

Mr. Mulroy said he intended to build on the achievements by his predecessor, Wilson Bird, and plans are in place for a return of the ice rink to Castlebar next Christmas, a festival attraction that was hugely successful for the county town.

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