Silver screen returns to Ballina

Silver screen returns to Ballina


Ciara Galvin

BALLINA Cineplex will reopen its doors this Friday, September 27, much to the delight of Ballina residents. The cinema closed without warning last January, having been in receivership since July 2012, leaving Ballina cinema-goers with up to an hour travel time to their nearest cinema in Castlebar or Sligo.
In the town since 2004, the the cinema’s closure last January resulted in the loss of eight jobs. With its reopening this week, an employment boost of up to ten staff is expected.
The IMC group is to operate the six-screen cinema and are currently advertising for part-time general and cleaning staff. IMC operates cinemas in 13 other locations around the country.
Speaking to The Mayo News yesterday Fianna FΡil Councillor Willie Nolan said the reopening was ‘a welcome boost to the economy’.
“It’s a nice thing to see it in Ballina after people travelling to Castlebar and other areas. It will see the support it deserves,” said Cllr Nolan.
With a refurbishment of the six-screen cinema to take place, Cllr Nolan is confident that this will result in an improved cinema experience for locals.
“It would see perhaps an improvement of service and a broader range of films. People are delighted, especially parents coming into the winter months.”
Commenting on the boost to the local economy, Cllr Nolan said the re-opening would complement Ballina’s other arts facilities, such as the Ballina Arts Centre and The Jackie Clarke Collection.