Way cleared for Mayo Christmas ice rink promotion

ELECTED members of Castlebar Municipal District have given permission for the Mall to host a commercial ice skating rink for the Christmas season.

The event, Mayo on Ice, was staged at the location for the first time last year from November 24 to January 7 and it proved a resounding success.

Over the six-week duration, it attracted 25,000 paying customers, proving a big money spinner for the local economy.

Speaking after the event, the promoter, Bill Cremin of Cool Running Events, outlined his intention to make Mayo on Ice the marquee event in the west of Ireland every Christmas.

"I have no hesitation in saying that there is no better town in which to do business than Castlebar," he stated.

Mr. Cremin added he regarded the Mall as the best venue in the country for a festive event of this nature.

There was some criticism of the impact on the grass surface of the Mall, but it recovered within a short period of time following works.

Now, with the blessing of Mayo County Council, the local Chamber of Commerce is expected to put plans in train for the event with the backing of local businesses.

The proximity of the site to the town centre was integral to the overall success of the event, which was widely described as a coup for the county town. It is understood the cost for staging Mayo on Ice is in the region of €250,000.