Mayo chamber explains why it is seeking extra funding for festive lights

Castlebar Chamber has announced that it has applied for the Community Recognition Fund to light up the town with festive cheer for the Christmas season.

The application seeks €95,000 for the Christmas lights on The Mall and €35,000 for the street lights, totalling €130,000.

This grant is crucial for creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to visit and shop in Castlebar.

Anne Conlon, president of Castlebar Chamber, emphasises the importance of this initiative.

She said: "It is vital that Castlebar has Christmas lights in The Mall and along the streets to encourage people to come into the town and shop with us.

"The festive season is critical for our local businesses, and beautifully decorated streets can significantly attract visitors and boost the local economy."

The Castlebar Chamber initiative, with the strong support of Castlebar Tidy Towns and Mayo County Council, which provided support letters to back the application to replace traditional Christmas lighting with more sustainable and environmentally friendly options, is a commendable step towards reducing the town's carbon footprint and promoting eco-conscious celebrations.

The new LED lights consume significantly less energy compared to the older incandescent bulbs, resulting in substantial energy savings.

LED lights use up to 80% less electricity and have a longer lifespan, which not only reduces power consumption but also minimises the frequency of replacements, thereby decreasing waste.

Said Ms. Conlon: "The urgency of Christmas at our Mall is crucial. Over the last number of years, the growth of the trees has caused strands of lighting to embed in the bark of the trees, damaging both the trees and the lighting.

"This fund aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities for the entire community in recognition of the contribution being made by communities in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries."

The funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants (‘new arrivals’), including towns identified for the rapid build homes programme.

The fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community.

The Castlebar Chamber is seeking the support of the Castlebar councillors to secure this grant.

"We believe that with unified backing, we can successfully illuminate Castlebar, enhance the town’s charm, and provide a magical holiday experience for all.

"The proposed lighting project aims to brighten the town and foster a sense of community and togetherness during the holiday season.

"The festive lights are a symbol of hope and joy, and their presence will help draw more visitors, benefiting local shops, restaurants, and other businesses.

"Castlebar Chamber is confident that this grant will significantly impact the town’s festive celebrations, making it a premier destination for Christmas shopping and holiday activities. We urge all stakeholders to support this essential initiative and help us bring the Christmas spirit to life in Castlebar.

"Castlebar Chamber is dedicated to promoting and supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth in Castlebar.

"Through various initiatives and community projects, we aim to enhance the town’s commercial landscape and improve the quality of life for its residents," she added.