News
Springboard courses at Athlone Institute of Technology
Athlone Institute of Technology is delighted to announce the following free and heavily subsidised training Springboard courses which will run September 2019 to May 2020. Certificate in Food and Beverage
Our Time to Vote
The European and Local Elections will be taking place in May 2019. Voters will be able to go to their polling station to vote in both of these elections on Friday,
Ballina Chamber hosts AEC Business Forum Seminar
In 2015 Chambers of Commerce and a group of Action Oriented Partners from nine western counties (Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry) signed up to a Charter
Ballina Street Festival is announced for July 2019
On behalf of Ballina Chamber of Commerce we are delighted to announce that we are organising a ‘Street Festival’ running from Monday 8th – Sun 14th July 2019. The old stallworth’s of Heritage day, Picnic
Press Release: Futureproof Broadband
A future-proofed accessible broadband network essential for 21st century economic prosperity Chambers Ireland is the national voice of Ireland’s largest business network. Our network has the broadest geographic presence, reaching
Statement by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar on latest developments on Brexit
Government Buildings, 12 March 2019 As you know, Prime Minister May met with President Juncker in Strasbourg last night where they agreed an interpretative ‘Instrument’ on the Withdrawal Agreement and
Expanded Business Mentoring Service Launched in Mayo
Today, 19th February 2019, the business community in Mayo helped launch an expanded business mentoring service in the county, Mentor Mayo. Mentor Mayo is an innovative initiative that builds on
Ballina famine movie wins Jury Prize at Athis-Mons Film Festival
Locally made short film “A Famine Portrait” has received the Jury Prize at the 11th DiViPassion Short Film Festival in Athis-Mons in Paris-Orly, the twin town of Ballina in France.
Chamber AGM 2019
Date & Time: Date(s): 21st February 2019 Time: 7pm Venue: Ballina Chamber of Commerce & Ballina Tourist Office Cost: FREE Event Details The Annual General Meeting of the Ballina Chamber of
Major new employment laws to shake up Irish business
A new Act containing major employment law reforms comes into force on 1st March 2019. It’s so significant that the Minister for Employment Affairs, Regina Doherty, labelled it a “once-in-a-generation
Brexit and Certs of Origin – Brexit Update
No Deal Scenario We recently received an update from colleagues in the UK regarding a meeting held with HMRC on Wednesday. We are informed that at present UK HMRC do
Local Enterprise Office Mayo launches Business Advisory Clinics in Ballina.
Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Mayo has teamed up with Ballina Chamber of Commerce to hos a serious of Business Advisory Clinics in Ballina for the Spring Summer period. Local Enterprise
Uncertainty prevails in vote against Orderly Withdrawal
Press Release 15 January 2019 Uncertainty prevails in vote against Orderly Withdrawal Commenting on this evening’s (15 January 2019) outcome of the ‘meaningful vote’ in the UK’s House of Commons,
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade – Back for Business Initiative
Following a successful pilot, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is once again supporting Back for Business which is designed to support returned emigrants, men and women, who have
Brexit: European Commission’s “no-deal” Contingency Action Plan for Businesses
PRESS RELEASE: Brussels, 19 December 2018 The United Kingdom will leave the European Union in 100 days’ time. Given the continued uncertainty in the UK surrounding the ratification of the
3.2m government funding for Ballina’s 18th Century Military Barracks.
€3.2m government funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund 2018 has been approved for the transformation of Ballina’s 18th century military barracks. It is to be developed into a digital
N26 Roadworks into Ballina Co Mayo
Ballina Chamber of Commerce has made representation on behalf of its Chamber members to Mayo County Council in respect to the current road works and traffic management on the N26
Famine Exhibition opens in Ballina Co. Mayo on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Ballina Lions Club are proud to announce details of their upcoming Famine Exhibition which will be held in the Ballina Civic Offices from October through to March 2019. The Lions
Ballina Chamber hosts Employers and Pensions Seminar
Ballina Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be hosting an Employers and Pensions – Roles & Responsibilities Seminar delivered by Zurich in conjunction with Rouse Insurance Brokers. Pension reform is a thorny
Budget 2019 : Chambers Ireland review
“Government’s chosen path for Budget 2019 will produce long term benefits for the Irish economy if measures announced are implemented appropriately and rapidly. Balancing the books, delivering promised investments, establishing
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
New Cycle of ACORNS – Support scheme for Female Entrepreneurs
ACORNS (Accelerating the Creation of Rural Nascent Start-ups), focuses on early stage female entrepreneurs, whose businesses are located in rural Ireland. The ACORNS initiative is supported by the Department of
Making Historic Towns along the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC)
Save the Date – Making Historic Towns along the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) – 22 November Ballina, Co. Mayo A new Town Centre ‘Health Check’ workshop will be taking place
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
‘Exchequer Returns’ signal importance of prudence in Budget 2019
Press Release Exchequer Returns signal importance of prudence in Budget 2019 4 September 2018: Commenting on the release of today’s (4 September 2018) Fiscal Monitor, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of
Ballycroy National Park Receives €2.1 million Funding
Fáilte Ireland has announced funding approval for a €2.1m 56km cycle track through part of the Ballycroy National Park. As well, the National Parks and Wildlife Service announced the
Excellence in Local Government Awards 2018 shortlist Revealed
Awards Shortlist reveals wide-ranging work at local level across Ireland Chambers Ireland today (14 August 2018) revealed the shortlist of the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2018 2018
Atlantic Rhythm show Tradbeats set to wow tourists visiting Mayo
Fresh from their phenomenal run on TV3’s Ireland’s Got Talent, the young musicians and dancers of Atlantic Rhythm have already made inroads into their next challenge – taking the
Ballina Chamber meets with An Taoiseach and Heads of Government bodies this July.
Ballina Chamber of Commerce has never been so busy, and the month of July is not over yet. Remove the fact that Ireland’s largest community festival, Ballina Salmon Festival, has
First three acts announced for St. Michael’s Church at Other Voices Ballina 2018 September 28th – 29th, Co. Mayo
September 28th and 29th 2018 sees the Other Voices Festival burst into life in our gorgeous town of Ballina, Co. Mayo. The ancient walls of St. Michael’s Church in the heart of
Chambers Ireland launches Pre Budget Submission 2019 with Chief Executives from the Chamber Network
Chambers Ireland today (12 July 2018) launched its Pre Budget 2019 Submission, recommending that Government use Budget 2019 as an opportunity to think strategically about how we can future-proof our
Chambers Ireland welcomes green-light for EU-Japan Trade Deal
Chambers Ireland welcomes the news that the EU and Japan have been authorised to formally ratify a new trade deal, negotiations for which first began in 2013. Chambers Ireland Chief
2018 Mayo Business Awards Applications are now OPEN
The Mayo Business Awards are a cross community initiative supported by the Mayo Chambers and other local business organisations with the backing of the Local Enterprise Office Mayo and Mayo.ie.
Brexit Preparedness Notices
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
Ballina Crowned “Ireland’s Best Kept Large Town out the of the 32 Counties of Ireland in 2018″
Ballina has been crowned “Ireland’s Best Kept Large Town 2018”. The Ireland’s Best Kept Tidy Towns Awards took place today (26/06/2018) at the Harbour Commissions Office in Belfast with delegates
Teenage entrepreneurs from Mayo swop the classroom for Connemara
Seventeen teenage entrepreneurs, including six from Mayo, are swopping the classroom for the countryside this week, as they embark on a Student Enterprise Winners’ Bootcamp in Connemara through
Other Voices Ballina Co Mayo September 28th & 29th, 2018
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
Selling to Government – Introduction – Breakfast Briefing
InterTradeIreland in partnership with the Office of Government Procurement, Enterprise Ireland, Ibec, SFA, ISME, CIF and Chambers Ireland are delighted to deliver the first of a series of breakfast workshops
Tubs comes to Ballina Co Mayo along the Wild Atlantic Way
So Ryan Tubridy has just finished a live broadcast in Ballina, which kicked off this morning, Thursday 31st May from 9am running through to 10am. And what a jam packed
Chambers Ireland welcomes the launch of Project Ireland 2040 funds
Chambers Ireland today, welcomed the launch of the €4 billion Project Ireland 2040 funds for rural development, urban regeneration, climate action and innovation. Responding to the announcement, Chambers Ireland Chief
Brave Mayo Famine Girls sent to Australia to be Remembered
The resilience and courage of c 140 girls from four Mayo workhouses who were sent to Australia 1848-50 will be honoured in Ballina in October of this year. From the
Ballina Chamber President urges Apple to consider North Mayo for Data Centre as it withdraws plans in Athenry.
Apple’s Data Centre withdrawal demonstrates need for urgent review of planning system. Commenting on today’s (10 May 2018) announcement by Apple that they will no longer proceed with their plans
Europe Day is a celebration and reminder of the importance of Ireland’s EU membership
Commenting on today’s (9 May 2018) Europe Day celebrations, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland said, “Europe Day is a celebration of the peace, unity and freedoms which Ireland
Get GDPR ready with Ballina Chamber of Commerce
Data protection applies to every business – it can be a sole trader, partnership or company. It applies if you hold personal information that can identify an employee or a
Ballina Chamber provides Export Documentation to National and International Businesses
Export Documentation Some countries request a Certificate of Origin with imports. This document proves the place of growth, production, or manufacture of goods. Ballina Chamber provide two types of certificates
COCA-COLA PROPOSES TRANSFER OF CONCENTRATE MANUFACTURING FROM ATHY TO BALLINA
Press Release 2 May 2018 from Coke – Cola Coca-Cola has today announced that following a review of concentrate manufacturing, it is proposing the transfer of production
Mayo County Development Plan 2020 – 2026 – Have Your Say!
**HAVE YOUR SAY** The preparation of a new County Development Plan for Mayo, by Mayo County Council is underway with the commencement of an 8 week public consultation period from
Enterprise Ireland: Regional Enterprise Development Fund opportunity
Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund will support major new collaborative and innovative initiatives by business that aim to improve enterprise development in a region, across regions or nationally, and
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – are you prepared?
New legislation is coming, deadline is May 25th 2018, are you prepared? Looking after client and employee personal information, ensuring it is safe and not used in any way
Student Enterprise Awards County Final 2018
The Student Enterprise Programme County Final 2018 took place in The Great National Hotel Ballina, on Tuesday the 20th of March. Schools from all over the county took part following
Diversity & Inclusion key to successful CSR in Irish Business
Earlier this month, Chambers Ireland officially launched the Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2018 at AIB’s Bankcentre. The CSR Awards offer the business community a chance to promote and highlight the
Ballina Public Realm Plan
Ballina Public Realm Plan Consultation Boards Mayo County Council, with support from with the Heritage Council, is preparing a Public Realm Plan for the streets and open spaces in Ballina. The Plan will
‘Our World Our Lives’ opens as part of Áthas Ballina Children’s Art Festival
Every year Ballinglen Arts Foundation invites approximately 20 Mayo and Sligo National Schools to the Art Centre on Main Street, Ballycastle, to spend the day making art and meeting the
Irish Water investing €19m In Mayo Area
Irish Water investing €19m to end discharge of untreated wastewater from Killala, Foxford and Charlestown Project will have major benefits for health, the environment, tourism and future growth prospects
Active Communities Network was awarded the prestigious ‘Sport For Good’ award.
ACTIVE Communities Network An organisation which uses sport to help change the lives of young people in the UK, Ireland and South Africa, has been announced as the 2018
Diversity & Inclusion key to successful CSR in Irish Business
Chambers Ireland today (6 March 2018) launched the Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2018 at AIB’s Bankcentre. The CSR Awards offer the business community a chance to promote and highlight the
Ballina Chamber of Commerce elects new Chamber President
Hugh Rouse of Rouse Insurance has been elected as the new President of Ballina Chamber of Commerce. In his address, he paid tribute to the outgoing president, Paul Regan, and thanked
Chambers Ireland welcomes publication of draft legal text of the UK Withdrawal Agreement
Chambers Ireland today (28 February 2018) welcomes the publication of the draft legal text for the Withdrawal Agreement by the European Commission. Speaking today, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian
IDA Ireland launches ‘Invest in Mayo’
Castlebar, Mayo – February 8th 2018 – IDA Ireland has launched ‘Invest in Mayo’, the latest phase of its digital marketing initiative for attracting inward investment by highlighting the specific attributes
Chambers Ireland welcomes establishment of new Working Group to examine USC-PRSI merge
Chambers Ireland today (6 February 2018) welcomed the announcement by Minister Paschal Donohoe to establish a cross – departmental Working Group to examine and report on options for the amalgamation of USC
Chambers Ireland welcomes strong Exchequer returns
Commenting on today’s (2 February 2018) announcement of the Exchequer surplus with the publication of the January Fiscal Monitor, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said, “Today’s strong Exchequer returns confirm
Happy Christmas to all our members!
Chamber President Paul Regan would like to extend the warmest of season’s greetings to all our members and wish you and your business continued success for the new year! Paul
Golden Rules Safe Online Shopping
The Internet provides a safe and convenient forum for people to shop and communicate with friends and family. And while Ballina Chamber of Commerce promotes and supports shopping locally with
Buy Shop Local Gift Vouchers and help keep money local this Christmas!
Commenting on the announcement that there are now over 40 local shops and businesses redeeming Shop Local Gift Vouchers Paul Regan, President of Ballina Chamber is calling on members of the public
Ballina Chamber launches new Brand
Ballina Chamber, as a member of the Chambers Ireland network, launched a new brand today, reflecting their strength and influence as a member of the collaborative network. Launching the
More to Europe than Brexit
Irish Chambers Meet EU Senior Officials to Discuss Priorities for Irish Business A delegation from the Irish Chamber of Commerce Network, led by Chambers Ireland, today (7 November 2017) are meeting
Connolly Motors Group puts Ballina on the map
Written by Gabrielle Monaghan, Sunday Indo Business October 23 2017 1:30 AM At the southern section of the N17 – the road that connects Galway with Sligo – was last
Local woman is launching Facebook marketing book
Enniscrone native, Louise McDonnell, has issued an open invitation to the launch of her first book, Facebook Marketing, the essential guide for Irish organisations in the Ballina Library at 6pm
Highlights of Budget 2017 —- How was it for YOU ???
Another Year Another Budget ——- Good points, Bad Points and a lot of Talking Points. Here are the Highlight of Budget 2017. Housing A total of
Jack Fenn’s Courtyard Opens @Belleek Castle
Great news for Ballina as a brand new foodie destination set in Jack Fenn’s Courtyard at Belleek Castle, opens to the public. Who was Jack Fenn ? There once was a
Proper Consideration Must be Given to the Impact of Local Adjustment Factor in Local Property Tax
Local Authority Budgets and LPT Decisions should be aligned to improve quality of decision making As Councils across the country meet this month to consider their Local Adjustment Factor for
Excellent Work Undertaken by Local Authorities Highlighted In Awards Shortlist
Chambers Ireland announced the shortlist for the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2017. This year there are a total of twenty three Local Authorities shortlisted over sixteen categories ranging from
Ceide Coast Among Finalists Announced for EU Competition for Best Tangible Cultural Destination in Ireland
Fáilte Ireland today announced the three Irish finalists of this year’s EDEN (European Destination of Excellence) competition to find the destination in Ireland which has best used its local tangible
Old favourite re-opens under new management; Crockets on the Quay, Ballina Co Mayo
Crockets on the Quay, one of Ballina’s iconic pubs reopened recently under new management. Situated on the banks of the River Moy, in the picturesque Quay village, the venue has
Affordable Childcare is Good for Families and Good for Business
Commenting on the launch of the Government’s ‘It Starts Now’ campaign, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland said, “The implementation in coming weeks of the childcare provision announced by
IFI Ballina Western River Basin District Angling report
Salmon Angling – weeks ending 23rd & 30th July 2017 River Moy Over the past two weeks the Moy system had a reported catch of 1,178 salmon bringing the total 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
Competition heats up for Mayo’s favourite carvery venues
The Great Carvery of the Year competition has reached one of its most exciting and anticipated points with the reveal of this year’s shortlist of Ireland’s top carvery venues. Mayo
New Driving Test Center opens in Ballina
The Official Opening of the New Permanent Driver Theory Test Center in Ballina, Co Mayo Friday July 7, 2017 Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), officially opened
Chambers Ireland Welcomes the Conclusion of EU-Japan Trade Negotiations
Chambers Ireland today (6 July 2017) welcomes the news of an agreement between the EU and Japan for a new trade accord, negotiations for which first began in 2013. Speaking
Chambers Ireland Pre-Budget Submission Calls for Increased Infrastructure Investment
Budget 2018 Cannot be Brexit-Proofed but Measures Needed to Mitigate Against Serious Challenges We Must Act On Matters Within Our Control Ahead of the National Economic Dialogue commencing tomorrow, Chambers
Ballina Business Community Launches Business Watch
Following on from a recent Town Centre Health Check for Ballina, a retailer’s survey identified a need for a Business Watch be setup in the area. Based on the same
SEAI Smart Lighting Grant
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is introducing a new pilot SME support – Smart Lighting grant scheme. The goal is to support energy efficient lighting that is more sustainable
Las Vegas comes to Ballina GAA Club
Las Vegas comes to Ballina at the Great National Hotel Ballina Saturday 10th June, as local Club Ballina Stephenites GAA Club hosts a Vegas themed night featuring a plethora black
Announcement of Brexit Supports for Small Business Welcome
Chambers Ireland today (30 May 2017) welcomed the announcement by Minister for State Pat Breen of a range of supports and funding available through LEO offices to assist small and
IFI Ballina Western River Basin District
Angling report – w/e 21st May 2017 Salmon Angling River Moy The Moy system produced over 200 salmon for the week bringing the yearly total,
Route Millennia Mayo – 6 Unique Visitors experiences with 6000 years of History and Culture
Route Millennia Mayo is being officially being launched at the Jackie Clarke Collection, Pearse Street, Ballina at 2 p.m on Wednesday 31st May 2017. Members of the public are invited
Mayo Business Awards returns in 2017
The Mayo Business Awards aim to celebrate all businesses in every town and village throughout the county and we encourage all Mayo Businesses to enter to be in with a
Competitive start fund for female entrepreneurs
Calling all female entrepreneurs – Date for the Diary -Weds May 3rd 2017 – Competitive Start Fund for Female Entrepreneurs opening date. The Competitive Start Fund (CSF) aims to
UEFA Development Under 16 Tournament bound for Ballina
Young footballers are being given a wonderful chance to showcase their talents and make crucial progress as players through UEFA’s international development tournaments. As part of UEFA’s ongoing efforts to
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs
What is Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs? Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a pan-European mobility scheme for entrepreneurs, initiated by the European Commission in 2009. The programme aims to offer opportunities
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
IFI Ballina Western River Basin District
Angling report – w/e 23rd April 2017 Salmon Angling River Moy Salmon angling on the River Moy picked up further during the week with fish being caught throughout
Food Fleadh Ballina returns 25th- 26th-27th August 2017
***PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS YEAR’S FOOD FLEADH BALLINA HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR 8TH – 9TH SEPTEMBER 2017 ***** Click here for further information Ballina Salmon Festival isn’t the
Ballina ‘Business Watch’ launch Wednesday 26th April 2017
As part of a recent Town Centre Health Check for Ballina, (a collaborative pilot scheme conducted by The Heritage Council, GMIT, Mayo County Council, Ballina Tidy Towns and Ballina Chamber
Irish Rural Link Annual Conference – Friday 5th May, Sheraton Hotel, Athlone
The conference; “Micro Enterprise: A Key to Rural Employment – Outlining Pathways to Europe’’ will allow participants to reflect on the many issues facing rural microenterprises and the effect of
St Muredachs College, Ballina represent Ireland at F1 in Schools World Finals
On March 21st , St Muredachs College, Ballina, team qualified for the 2017 F1 in Schools World Finals, where they will be representing Ireland in Kuala Lumpur next September. Consisting
Strong Economic Forecasts Highlight Urgent Need to Address Infrastructure Deficits
Commenting on the publication today (11 April 2017) of the Draft Stability Programme Update, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland said, “The improved GDP forecast and the positive employment
Talks Urgently Needed to Resolve Damaging Industrial Action
Chambers Ireland today (31 March 2017) called on management at Bus Eireann and the Unions to utilise the industrial relations machinery of the State to resolve the current industrial dispute
FRONTLINE PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS BUSINESS CONCERNS ALONG THE BORDER
COLLECTION OF FIRST HAND TESTIMONY COLLECTED FROM LOUTH TO DONEGAL BRINGS FOCUS ON CONCERNS OF BUSINESSES ON THE FRONTLINE AS A RESULT OF BREXIT 27th March, 2017 – Currency, competitiveness