Mayo community leaders hit back at 'depressing county town' claims

CASTLEBAR CHAMBER PRESIDENT: "We have a vibrant community with an incredible spirit of volunteerism and civic pride"

Community leaders in Castlebar have hit back at claims that the county town is forcing its young people to emigrate because it is 'run-down, depressing and has been stopped from growing'.

The criticism was levelled in a controversial letter, published in last week's issue of The Connaught Telegraph, which was written by a recent school-leaver (Robert) who revealed he and 40 others were saving up to move to Australia because they were all struggling with their mental health and needed 'to get out'.

Celebrity TV architect Hugh Wallace read the letter online and told the Oliver Callan Show on RTÉ Radio One that he agreed with Robert that Castlebar is 'a depressing town'.

Now Anne Conlon, president of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, said while it is disheartening to see Castlebar portrayed negatively in recent discussions, it is only fair and reasonable to recognise and salute the many positive aspects of our town ‘that seemingly for some are taken for granted’.

"This is necessary in order to portray a more realistic and balanced view of exactly where we live," she said.

Ms. Conlon elaborated: “Despite challenges and an unquestionable need for further development, Castlebar is a vibrant community with an incredible spirit of volunteerism and civic pride that deserves our consideration and support.

"Instead of disempowering our community with words, let’s empower with our individual actions by playing our own part and stepping up."

She stated it is understandable that young people may feel frustrated, particularly in today’s fast-paced world where larger cities and international destinations seem to offer more immediate rewards.

"Nobody is disagreeing that a lack of affordable housing, high rents and the cost of living are making it very difficult to not only start out in life but also importantly impact very heavily on those working and also those who have managed to get on the property ladder and who may also have families to bring up.

"These problems are not unique to Castlebar but are part of the landscape of every town in Ireland.

"The reality is that Castlebar is still a vibrant retail towm with a decent mix of indigenous family owned business and multi-national business and retail companies that position Castlebar as the largest retail town west of Galway.

"Apart from employment in our retail outlets, multinationals Baxter, Fort Wayne and Meissner, along with Mayo County Council and Mayo University Hospital, we have the national HQ of Pulse located at Michael Davitt House.

"Castlebar town is also the headquarters for a number of agencies who provide services to people with disability.

"That aside, there are currently over 250 jobs being advertised across the region, including Castlebar, on Mayo Jobs, Indeed and with local recruitment agencies."

In the statement, former chamber president Bernard Hughes said Castlebar also boasts a remarkable number of community groups, each driven by small yet dedicated teams of volunteers.

"These groups work tirelessly to support and enhance our town, often without seeking recognition.

"Their efforts have made Castlebar a place where residents actively contribute to the well-being and improvement of our community.

"The fact that so many people are willing to give their time and energy speaks volumes about the strong sense of community that exists here.

"Rather than focusing solely on the negatives, it's essential to acknowledge and celebrate these accomplishments. They are a reflection of the dedication and hard work of our residents, and the potential that Castlebar has to offer.

"We should be proud of our town and continue to build on the positive foundations that so many caring and hard working individuals have already laid.

"Castlebar is not just a place; it's a community that thrives on the passion and commitment of its people.

"By working together and supporting one another, we can continue to make Castlebar a place where people are proud to live, work, and raise their families.

"Castlebar may not be perfect, but it’s far from depressing. It’s a town filled with history, culture, and - most importantly - people who care about its future.

"As we look towards the future, it is vital that we recognise and build upon the positives rather than dismiss them out of hand."