Mayo communities see the benefits of Christmas funding
The Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, Alan Dillon, has highlighted the impact €450,000 in funding is providing for several authorities along the western seaboard, including Mayo County Council, to support their Christmas events and initiatives and to boost local economies.
In response to proposals invited from the local authorities in October, the Minister allocated €50,000 for each of Mayo, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Galway City and County, Clare, Limerick and Kerry.
While much of it was to support Christmas lighting and markets across the region, the funding has also helped to deliver innovative initiatives such as an ice rink in Sligo and outdoor movies in Mayo.
All these schemes share the common objective of enhancing the festive atmosphere in rural towns and villages, and – crucially – encouraging people to shop local and support their town centres in the run-up to Christmas.
Minister Dillon said: “I am delighted to receive reports that the creative and innovative projects being supported by this funding is helping to boost footfall and local economies across towns and villages on the western seaboard. I would like to commend the work of the local authorities to enhance the festive atmosphere and enrich seasonal experiences for families and communities, which in turn encourages more people to visit their local towns and to spend locally this Christmas.
“This government is committed to communities and the future of our rural town centres. Funding like this, strategically targeted, can make a big difference for local employers and businesses at this time of year.”
While many of these initiatives are ongoing over the Christmas period, the benefits are already evident in footfall and seasonal atmosphere and experiences in the towns concerned.
In Castlebar, the outdoor Christmas movies in Collectors Lane have been a popular addition for locals and visitors, and the Christmas markets in town are also proving to be successful, with almost 50 local traders taking part. Further to that, over 1,500 people enjoyed the Christmas events in Belmullet last weekend as Christmas events continue right across the county.