Another blow to Ballinrobe as Tierney Shoes to close

SECOND STORE Tierney’s other store, on Bridge Street in Westport is also closed.

Ciara Galvin

The town of Ballinrobe suffered another blow to its business community last week when Tierney Shoes announced plans to close.
In a Facebook post, shop owner Kevin Tierney said it was with a ‘heavy heart’ that the decision was made to close both the Ballinrobe and the Westport stores.
The shop opened its doors in Ballinrobe in 2005, and opened a sister shop in Westport in 2012. The post thanked customers and fellow traders for their support.
“We are saddened to have to make this decision, as small towns need local businesses to support each other,” Kevin continued, before thanking loyal staff for their passion and commitment. The post concluded by stating that all vouchers and credit notes can still be used in the closing-down sale which is now on.
Local business owner and spokesperson from Ballinrobe Business Enterprise Organisation Martin Murphy told The Mayo News that the people of Ballinrobe were ‘heartbroken’ to see a local business close.
“People are very upset. The Tierneys are a popular family and it’s a complete surprise for everyone. It’s very unfortunate,” said Mr Murphy.
Speaking about the unexpected closure, local Fianna FΡil councillor Damien Ryan described it as a ‘body blow’ for the town.
“It’s news the town didn’t need. We’ve had a number of high-profile business closures over the past number of years, and it is sad to see a business in a good location close its doors,” said Cllr Ryan.
Cllr Ryan went on to highlight the need for a ‘task force’ for Ballinrobe in order to improve the local economy and put in place supports for local businesses and traders.
“Towns like Ballinrobe need action plans that are funded and the local authority needs to get involved. This is a sign of pressures businesses are under. Coming out of a recession [a closure is] not something you want to see.”
Improvements
Cllr Ryan went on to say that for Ballinrobe to prosper it would be important for the road to be improved from Kilmaine and linked up with the motorway, which is currently being brought as far as Tuam.
“I see this as hugely beneficial, making the town extremely attractive for business, 20 minutes from a motorway to Dublin.”
He also said that plans for a hotel in the town were still very much a reality, assuring that Mayo County Council looks upon the build favourably.
“The application is still live, and minor details of the planning application are being dealt with,” explained Ryan.
Meanwhile, a new shop has set up in a unit on Main Street beside Emma Gill Property Partners. The shop will be selling Italian food and ingredients along with coffee.