‘Westport has lost his voice’, says new Chamber President

THE new President of the Westport Chamber of Commerce has said that the town has lost its voice since the abolition of the Town Council.

Well-known Westport man Dermott Langan was elected as the new President of the Westport Chamber of Commence at its annual general meeting last Thursday.

The former Westport Town Councillor told the AGM, which took place at the Leeson Enterprise Centre, that the Chamber of Commerce in Westport also has a long history of working in partnership with local and national agencies, such as Westport Town Council, and that their efforts have ensured that Westport is a place that is at the forefront of Irish towns. However, he said he feels that the town has suffered since the abolition of the town councils in 2014.

“I believe that since the demise of our local town council, Westport has lost its voice,” he said. “It is widely accepted that having a vibrant, accredited, Chamber of Commerce ensures a highly valued business organisation recognised and respected by local, national, and international governments and industrial bodies for the town.

“Westport Chamber of Commerce, established in the 1930s, has a long and distinguished history of partnership and proven development for close to 100 years.

“We believe that the Westport Chamber of Commerce is and will continue to be a champion for the business and retail community and a strong advocate for the economic development of the town,” he added.

Shop local

THE well-attended AGM was addressed by the outgoing president Graham Byrne, who spoke of the many achievements during the past year. The meeting was also addressed by Eithne O’Sullivan, Treasurer, and the CEO, Geraldine Horkan. The keynote presentation was given by Paul McDermott, Managing Director of Hastings Insurance, and the company’s Business Development Manager Brian Moran. The attendees were given a major insight into how from humble beginnings in Westport, Hastings has grown to be a major player in the Irish insurance market.

Launching the new initiative Shop Local This Christmas, Mr Langan said that the Chamber is indebted to all who have pledged gift vouchers and products for its Christmas draw. Shoppers in Westport will have the chance to win hundreds of prizes during Christmas week. The chamber is also supporting Spraoi na Nollag and the arrival of Santa Claus to Westport Town Hall on December 17, together with carol singing, puppet shows, storytelling and face painting.