Influx for election counts to have €1m. spin-off for Mayo county town

Castlebar is bracing itself for a huge influx next weekend as the town hosts counts for both the midlands north-west Euro constituency contest and elections to Mayo County Council at the TF Royal.

Some observers are speculating that the financial spin-off from both events to the local economy could be in the region of €1 million.

An 'elephant in the room', however, is the lack of available accommodation in the area.

Towns such as Westport and Ballina are expected to take up the slack as regards lodgings.

The midlands north-west count is expected to go on for four or five days and possibly even longer. More than 200 staff will be required for that count with 50 to 60 personnel being required for the local election.

With 27 candidates, the field in the Euro constituency is the largest ever, and the candidates will bring a large entourage of family/supporters with them to Castlebar.

As well there will be a large national media presence reporting on what is shaping up to be a most intriguing and strongly contested battle.

Marian Chambers Higgins will act as returning officer for the Euro proceedings.

John Condon is returning officer for the local elections to the 30 seats available on Mayo County Council in the six electoral areas - Ballina, Belmullet, Castlebar, Claremorris, Swinford and Westport.

He acknowledges that both contests (Euro and local) will bring significant footfall to the area.

“There’s going to be quite a buzz around the place,” he predicted. “Election counts are always very exciting.”