Blogs
BALLINA SALMON FESTIVAL, MIDWEST RADIO AND CALLAN TANSEY SOLICITORS ANNOUNCE THE INAUGURAL ‘BEST OF BALLINA’ AWARDS 2024
Ballina is such a good news story! From fishing to festivals and from history to culture the town is bursting with enthusiasm and culture – driven by people and organisations
Castlebar and Ballina named best towns for work-life balance in Ireland
Castlebar is the best town for work-life balance in Ireland., while Ballina is the second-best town, Co Mayo. Castlebar and Ballina beat 48 other towns in Switcher.ie’s new Work-life balance
Ballina Chamber of Commerce comments on GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings recent report
The recently released GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings report for Q2 2023 has revealed concerning trends in commercial vacancy rates in Ireland. The national commercial vacancy rate has reached 14.1%, marking the
Healthy Club status award for local GAA Club, despite global pandemic crisis.
Ballina Stephenites GAA Club are delighted to announce they have recently been awarded Healthy Club status by Croke Park, a fantastic achievement especially during such a challenging period. The Healthy
Mayo Coaches Team Up With Soccer Stars To Promote Integration in Ireland
Two Ballina based coaches with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation have returned to Northern Ireland to deliver a week-long cross-community training programme that brought together young people from different communities and
Ballina Chamber of Commerce submission to Ballina Town & Environs LAP 2021-2027
Mayo County Council is preparing a Local Area Plan for the Ballina Town & Environs area that will set out the framework to guide future development in the town an
From Ballina to Scranton to the White House, Mags Downey Martin writes.
A direct descendent from Ballina, Co Mayo is about to become the 46th President of the United States of America! And this is the real story of an Irish immigrant
Revitalising Retail 2020 workshops by European Commission
In the wake of the pandemic – what does ‘A European retail sector fit for the 21st Century’ mean? Local decision makers were invited to find out more about the
InBusiness Magazine Winter 2020
The seasonal Chambers Ireland magazine InBusiness Winter 2020 edition is now out and available to view at this link Download Featuring a plethora of useful business articles and interesting reads
Brexit
Click here for an updated list of contacts who can answer your queries regarding Brexit and Customs over the Christmas period. *The UK formally left the European Union on 31
Things you can do NOW to support your trading this Lockdown
Miriam Simon is a Retail Strategist with over 25 years high level experience across the Multiples, Big Box Retail and Independents. Teaming up with the Chamber network across the country,
The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy
At the beginning of September, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment (DCCAE) published its Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, which aims to give direction to
Tóg Mé Bhaile go Mhaigh Eó – Take Me Home to Mayo –
From Ballina to Pennsylvania, Sarah’s Story By Paul Kostiak Part 2 In the first installment of this series I wrote of my great grandmother Sarah Carden. You may recall that
Return to Work Protocal for business
CE of Chambers Ireland, Ian Talbot spoke at the launch of the ‘Return to work Protocal’ at in Government press centre, on Saturday 9th May . These protocals, briefly highlighted
Next Programme for Government Must Support Regional Recovery and Boost Impacted Sectors in the Wake of the COVID-19 Crisis
Chambers Ireland launches new research this morning (8 May 2020) on the sectoral and regional impact of COVID-19. This follows publication of survey results last week on the 30 April
Queues and the maintenance of physical distancing outside retail stores
The Government’s overriding objective during Covid-19 is to ensure the public’s health and safety. The public health advice is clear and consistent. Everyone is urged to stay in their home
Tóg Mé Bhaile go Mhaigh Eó – “Take Me Home to Mayo”
by Paul Kostiak Part 1 – Nice to Meet You There are very few places on Earth that have truly captured my heart. I’ve traveled the world, over one million
Free online Business Planning Course from Chambers Ireland and Griffith College to Address Key Current Issues for Irish Businesses
Chambers Ireland, in association with Griffith College, are running a Free online business planning course for its 8,000 members nationwide. The course will address the key concerns that businesses across
Financial Business Supports during COVID-19
Our advice in the first instance is to make contact with your Accountant and with your Relationship Manager in your Bank or Credit Union who is best placed to guide
The EU’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Over the coming weeks, the Chambers Ireland team and some guest contributors, will be bringing you blogs and articles to keep you posted on how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting
Message from Fáilte Ireland’s CEO
These are truly unprecedented times for the tourism sector across the board and the effects will be catastrophic for the industry. As we see more and more job losses and
Chamber survey says 90% of Businesses experiencing Decline in Revenue – Unprecedented Economic Response Required
Chambers Ireland and our nationwide network of chambers has today (24 March 2020) published the results of a survey of its members, which seeks to quantify and highlight the impacts
Minister Donohoe outlines further measures to support Individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19
The Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., today (Wednesday) welcomed the ongoing work of the Central Bank of Ireland, Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI),
Next Government must align with EU Strategy to Support SMEs, says Chambers Ireland
Chambers Ireland welcomes the publication by the European Commission of a new SME Strategy, with the goal of empowering small businesses to make the digital and the sustainable transition. Welcoming
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prepatory Actions
Following the confirmation of several cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) across the island of Ireland, please take the time to read this update via this link from the HSE on:
Ballina Chamber of Commerce election manifesto makes infrastructure a priority
Infrastructure deficits are not a new issue in for Ballina and its environs but there are fears that the problem could get even worse. At present the majority of investment
Christmas Wishes from The Ballina Chamber of Commerce President
As the year draws to another end I would like to wish all the members and their families a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a very prosperous new year.
Construction begins on Mary Robinson Centre Project in Ballina Co Mayo
Following the recent signing of contracts, Mayo County Council has confirmed that construction of the Mary Robinson Centre in Ballina will commence on December 5th. The project entails the conservation
Ballina Chamber of Commerce Christmas Networking Dinner
The highlight of Ballina Chambers’ calendar of events, the Christmas Networking Dinner, returns Friday 29th November in the The Cot and Cobble with reception drinks served from 6.30pm. Enjoying an
Chambers Ireland Welcomes Mary Robinson in Address to Business
Chambers Ireland welcomes Mary Robinson in an address to members of the business community, calls for more urgent action in the transformation of Ireland into a sustainable competitive low carbon
Reduced unemployment figures welcome but concerns on emerging skills gaps need to be addressed
Following today’s publication of the CSO’s Monthly Unemployment statistical release for October 2019, Chambers Ireland welcomes the further growth of people at work. Speaking this morning, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive
Mayo Mental Health Association hosts ‘Moving Your Mind’ at Ballina Stephenites GAA Club
Mayo Mental Health Association in partnership with the HSE, The Movement Castlebar, Mayo GAA and Healthy Ireland recently held the launch of the ‘Moving your Mind’ Initiative 2019 in the
Budget 2020
Plan for Brexit will be welcomed by business, but overall, a missed opportunity to invest more in long term challenges for economy Following today’s Budget 2020 statement by Minister Paschal
Chambers Ireland outlines key priorities ahead of Budget 2020
Ahead of tomorrow’s announcement of Budget 2020 by the Minister of Finance, Chambers Ireland calls on Government to plan for the long-term challenges to the Irish economy. Speaking this morning
Chambers Ireland welcomes the strong performance of the economy, but Government must remain prudent ahead of next Tuesday’s Budget
Following the publication of the September Exchequer Returns this afternoon (2 Oct 2019), Chambers Ireland welcomes the strong performance of the economy, but calls on Government to ensure that the
Chambers lead the way on Sustainable Development Goals
Chambers Ireland and ICC Ireland have announced that both they and the network of affiliated Chambers across Ireland have together signed up to a new charter to support the Sustainable
Removal of ‘no-deal’ welcome, now is the time for constructive solutions -Chambers Ireland
Commenting this evening (13 March 2019) on the UK Parliament’s vote on leaving the European Union without a Withdrawal Agreement and a Framework for the Future Relationship, Chambers Ireland Chief
Funding For Creative Events For Children – Cruinniú na nÓg 2019
Do you have an idea for a creative event for children and young people? Now you can make it happen! Mayo County Council is seeking proposals for events for children
Brexit and Certs of Origin- Chamber Update
*UPDATED* Brexit and Certs of Origin- Chamber Update No Deal Scenario Chambers Ireland recently received an update from colleagues in the UK regarding a meeting held with HMRC on Wednesday,
A Ballina Botanical Masterpiece … Paul Kirwin of Topline Archers
Two things scare me in life. The first is any letter coming through the door with the Harp Logo on the envelope, and the second are dogs. The first, I
ARTIST USES €10K TO FISH FOR KNOWLEDGE IN THE DIGITAL SOCIETY
In Mayo this Autumn , the Ballina Arts Centre hosts one artist’s response to technological change. A €10,000 “digital society” bursary has been awarded by Digital Transformations to multimedia and
Local Enterprise Office Mayo Spring Summer training Schedule launched for 2019
Training courses offered by Mayo LEO Everyone in business is well aware that if you remain static, you’ll very quickly be left behind. Business practice continues to evolve with disruptive
Budget Highlights 2019
Budget 2019 was presented yesterday and was the first Budget since 2007 to be ‘balanced’. There were no big winners from yesterday’s announcements. Increases in weekly Social Welfare payments, tobacco
Other Voices Ballina along the Wild Atlantic way
On Friday September 28th and Saturday September 29th, 2018, the vibrant town of Ballina in Co. Mayo will provide a stunning backdrop to Other Voices, the internationally acclaimed music television
Get ready for Food Fleadh Ballina
Food Fleadh Ballina, Co Mayo makes a welcome return for its fifth year this September 2018. With a four day programme planned Thursday 27th – Sunday 30th September 2018, visitors and
Ballina Salmon Festival FREE Kids Events along the Wild Atlantic Way
Ballina Salmon Festival kicks off, 8th – 15th July featuring some great ‘free to attend’ events and activities for all the family. Specially for kids, there’s “Come Try It” (for
Lady of the Moy, Kate-Leigh Farrell promotes North Mayo along the Wild Atlantic Way
UCD Geography Society October 5, 2017 – This week marks the first of the society’s new social media campaign, where every week each committee member will write a post about
Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation – Brexit Preparedness Notices
Efforts are currently underway to reach an agreement to ensure the withdrawal of the UK from the EU occurs with minimum disruption and to put in place a framework for
Glitz n Glam Casino Night returns to Ballina as local GAA Club, Ballina Stephenites hosts night to remember.
Ballina Stephenites GAA Club is proud to announce the return of its very successful Casino Night. After its inaugural night in 2017 and due to popular demand the Casino Night
Ballina Chamber launches Shop Local Campaign
Shift the balance ‘in favour of ‘the home team’ by switching to quality Irish products in your local shops in Ballina. Ballina Chamber of Commerce has made an appeal to hard
Broadhaven Irish Tours is ready for the new season!
Broadhaven Irish Tours; a combination of local knowledge, exclusive Irish tour guiding, a pub with the finest Guinness in Ireland and breathtaking scenery. This is what makes up the Broadhaven
Jobs in Ballina Co Mayo
Dillon’s Bar & Restaurants Full time chef required to join our ever expanding professional team .Minimum 3 years’ experience required. Also waiter/waitress required, experience essential. Call Paul at 089 4868685
Its the Season Of Love in Ballina
Each year on February 14th, many people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special “valentine.” The day of romance we call Valentine’s Day is named for a
A Stroll back in Time
Hotels in Ballina The Irish Tourist Association conducted a survey of Ballina town in August 1942. The aim of the survey was to determine the suitability of Ballina for
New bar reopens in the heart of Ballina town
Ballina has always had a great reputation for quality night life, sophisticated bars and urban chic night clubs in the West of Ireland. With the addition of recently renovated bar
Chambers Ireland June Newsletter
Chief Executive’s Welcome This month we entered into Budget 2018 planning season. The Government held the National Economic Dialogue (NED) this week, entitled “Sustainable and inclusive growth in the context
A Fire Safety Notice from Rouse Insurance
Hugh Rouse, of Rouse Insurance and Health and Safety Advisor says ‘We are all horrified at this week’s London fire. What those people experienced is almost unthinkable, and the horror
Ballina Business Profile: Specsavers Ballina
Specsavers Ballina opened in April 2014. It is run and owned by the Ophthalmic Director Eva Roache and Retail Director Kelley McGrath. Since opening Specsavers Ballina has proudly and passionately
Ballina Business Profile: The Broken Jug
Award winning Broken Jug Bar & Restaurant The Broken Jug, Ballina the backbone of evening and night time entertainment in the North west of Ireland caters for every celebration, whether
Ballina Business Profile: Ballina Motor Care
Ballina Motor Care is a family owned and run business incorporated in 1993, starting with just two employees. Ballina Motor Care has grown progressively over the years and this expansion
Western River Basin District
Angling report – w/e 19th March 2017 Salmon Angling River Moy The first fish of the season was caught on St. Patrick’s Day by Gerry Seck, Crossmolina, on the
Mothering Sunday in Ballina
With Mothers Day just around the corner heres a little piece to get us thinking of the important role all mother’s play in our everyday life. Mother’s Maintenance Manual Many
Ballina Business Profile: The Ice House
History of the Hotel Originally called the ‘Iceland Cottage’ the Ice House hotel is a building steeped in history. Strategically positioned on the Moy Estuary, (which became the principal sea-port of Ireland)
Ballina Business Profile: Beautiful Touch
Salon owner and senior therapist, Sinéad O’ Hora, qualified from Mayoralty Beauty College in June 2002 having excelled in ITEC, CIBTAC and CIDESCO exams. Between 2002 and 2008, Sinéad worked in
Arts March Madness in Ballina 2017
March 2017 at Ballina Arts Centre Visual Art: Girlhood: Orla Sloyan Official Opening: Friday 10th March, 8pm Throughout the months of March and April, Ballina Arts Centre will present Girlhood,
Ballina Business Profile: Merricks Hardware
Merrick’s Hardware first opened its doors unofficially in 1984 and launched itself into a fully operational family run business in 1985, celebrating 33 years in business this year! And its
Valentine Love is in the Air in Ballina
Here we are at the start of what we hope will be another busy year- The Love Fest of Valentine’s Day is a mere matter of days away and St.
Ballina Business Profile: Twin Trees Hotel (formerly the Downhill House Hotel)
Twin Trees Hotel | Accommodation | Occasions | Weddings |Dining | Activities | Conferences | Leisure Twin Trees Hotel is owned & managed by David & Rachael Smith. The Twin
Give the one you love “Ballina Shop Local Gift Vouchers” this Valentine’s Day…
Looking for the perfect Gift for the one you love for Valentine’s Day (or Mother’s Day)? Then look no further! Shop Local Gift Vouchers are the ideal gift for the one
Ballina Business Profile: Corinne Beattie Photographer
Corinne Beattie Photography; Freelance Photographer specialising in Portrait and Wedding work. Based in the beautiful town of Ballina, Co Mayo along the Wild Atlantic Way, Corinne has worked as a professional
Ballina Chamber Shop Local Vouchers
Ballina Chamber of Commerce “Shop Local Gift Vouchers” are the perfect all year round gift idea and are not just for Christmas. This gives you the opportunity to treat family
Chamber Membership and what it means for Your Business
What is the point in becoming a member of the Ballina Chamber of Commerce you may well ask. Ballina Chamber is here to support your business. The initiatives that the
North Mayo features in ’20 of the hottest tickets in travel for 2017′
We knew it, the people of North Mayo always knew it, in fact some would say it was a carefully guarded secret, but now the secrets out and thanks to
NEVER MIND THE BAUBLES – ‘IT’S CHRISTMAS’ CHARITY SINGLE
“The Baubles” a collection of Ballina musicians formed to record a Christmas charity single to raise money in aid of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. MS Ireland are a fantastic charity that provide
Mid term deals in Ballina Co Mayo
Anyone will know that planning a break during school holidays is fraught with challenges. Dragging the kids away from their friends during the week of midterm may not go down
Irish Chambers Meet High Ranking EU Officials to Discuss Priorities for Irish Business
A delegation from the Irish Chamber of Commerce Network, led by Chambers Ireland, today (12/10/2016) met with key officials from across the European Commission to discuss matters of importance to
Budget 2017: What it means for YOU
Tuesday’s Budget as announced by Minister Noonan was favourable towards the self employed with an increase in the earned income tax credit by €400 bringing it to €950. Universal Social
Western River Basin District IFI Ballina
Angling report – w/e 4th September 2016 Compiled by Myles Kelly Salmon Angling River Moy Angling effort is well down on the Moy now, compared to this time last year
Western River Basin District IFI Ballina & Galway Angling report – w/e 14th August 2016
Salmon & Sea Trout Angling River Moy Anglers on the River Moy system experienced a rather difficult week with fluctuating water levels impacting on fishing for most of the time.
Microsoft OneDrive for your Business
One place for everything in your life? So, what is Microsoft OneDrive? Well, the official explanation says that it’s an online service “that allows users to sync files and later
Western River Basin District IFI Ballina
Angling report – w/e 31st July 2016 Salmon & Sea Trout Angling River Moy Fishing on the River Moy slowed down somewhat during the week, while fluctuating water levels resulted
Market and Fair Days in Ballina Co Mayo
Are ye going to the fair at all? A Step back in time with James Reddiough. The leaves are turning and the winter is nigh as I type this column
Western River Basin District IFI Ballina Angling report – w/e 10th July 2016
Salmon & Sea Trout Angling River Moy The Moy system accounted for a reported catch of 517 salmon for the week. This brought the season total, to date, to 3,368
4 great Ballina Bars to enjoy watching the Euros
Ireland maybe out of Euro 2016, but we can still enjoy watching the footie and Euro 2016 in one or all of these great Ballina bars, Co Mayo. Each pub
Western River Basin District IFI Ballina Angling report – w/e 19th June 2016
Salmon Angling River Moy The Moy system produced a whopping 645 salmon for the week bringing the yearly total, so far, to 1631. Heavy rain on Monday resulted in excellent
Fishing Update-Western River Basin, week ending 12th June
Salmon & Sea Trout Angling River Moy The very low water levels continued to impact on the angling on the River Moy. Yet, some fisheries saw some good catches. The
Angling report for June W/E 5th 2016
Western River Basin District – IFI Ballina Salmon & Sea Trout Angling River Moy The extremely dry and sunny weather impacted heavily on angling conditions during the week. Water levels
Angling Update – Week Ending 22nd May 2016
Salmon & Sea Trout Angling River Moy Anglers experienced another difficult week on the Moy with angling improving over the weekend. Only a few fish were reported during the early
Ballina Angling Report
Salmon Angling River Moy With approximately 100 salmon reported, the River Moy had its best week of the season, so far. On Coolcronan, Garry Keavaney had a 9 lbs. fish
The Road to Downpatrick
The Road to Downpatrick; Notes from Ballyglass, Ballycastle.
Is whiskey really a man’s drink? – Rachel Nolan
Being a woman and a whiskey drinker has a certain stigma but that is all changing.. and fast! Greta Garbo perhaps said it best when she uttered her very first
Through Streets Broad and Narrow
Shops of yesteryear a Step back in Time with James Reddiough The streets in Ardnaree and Ballina as well as the environs had small shops that were family owned
Tom Ruane – Soldier and Politician recalled by James Reddiough
On the Sligo road in Ballina in North Mayo is the Municipal Park dedicated to the memory of one Tom Ruane, but do the younger generations realise who he was? Tom played
March in the Garden
By Garret Michael of Archers Ballina March is the first month that you can get out and tackle those jobs that you couldn’t face in the winter months. It’s a
North Mayo – Ireland’s final frontier
By David Horkan, Paddle and Pedal As an outdoor enthusiast and being fond of adventure I am never left without something to explore in this diverse landscape. Being based in
Ballina Junior Golf Programme
The Ballina Junior Golf Programme started in the Ballina Golf Club in 2014. Since the programme started our numbers have grown from 30 to an expected 165 in 2016, a