Mayo Minister launches climate initiative in West Mayo town

Minister of State for Small Business and Retail and Circular Economy Alan Dillon has launched a Castlebar Tidy Towns climate initiative that looks back to the past so people can learn for the future.

The initiative, supported by Castlebar Social Services and Mayo County Council is a series of personal stories from our not too distant past. Some popular figures from around the county town tell stories from their childhood, how when money was tight, they were careful not to waste anything, if things were broken, they would fix them, people lived off the land, cycled, and would look out for each other. All things that are good for the climate, and would save people money, it’s a win – win.

Minister Dillon commented “As we mark Climate Week 2025, I’m proud to stand with Castlebar Tidy Towns, Castlebar Social Services, and Mayo County Council in celebrating the wisdom of our past. These stories, filmed at Jack’s Cottage in Islandeady, remind us that resilience, community spirit, and living simply are not just memories, they’re solutions. When we fix what’s broken, share what we have, and care for one another, we protect both our planet and our wellbeing. Let’s honour these lessons, get involved locally, and build a future rooted in connection, sustainability, and pride in our place.”

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Ger Deere, Chairman of Castlebar Tidy Towns said “ We would like to thank Minister Dillon for his support. By looking to the past we can learn valuable lessons. We are encouraging people to talk to their parents, their neighbors, their grandparents, listen to their stories, learn from them, buy what you need, if something breaks, try and fix it. We are also encouraging people to get involved in the tidy towns, to get involved in Castlebar Social Services. Being active, getting out and about, moving and talking to people is also good for the climate and good for your mental health.

Deere also paid tribute to other representatives as he concluded “A big thanks to Deirdre Waldron, and the staff here today in Castlebar Social Services, they do amazing work in our community, to David Mellet, and Lorna Dennehy Mayo County Council for helping to fund this initiative, to all of the superstars in the videos, Ann Cresham, Joe Moylett, Joe Mc Dermott, Eddie and Ernie Sweeney, Geraldine Healy and Rose Tierney. I see a few Oscars on the way, and finally to Castlebar Tidy Town volunteers for this project and all they do in and around the town”.

Pictured above are Michelle Kelly, Sean Corrigan, Minister Alan Dillon, Councillor Ger Deere, Deidre Waldron and Lorna Dennehy with children for Castlebar Educate Together National School at the launch of 'Looking Back to the Future' video by Castlebar Tidy Towns for Climate Action Week. Photo: Alison Laredo.

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