Westport Business Association enjoy Christmas get-together

Members of the Westport Business Association (WBA) held a Christmas social in The West, courtesy of proprietor Martin Brennan, who kindly provided finger food for the occasion. Musical entertainment was provided by Charlie Keating.

The WBA was formed earlier in the year and numbers over 100 members from the business community of the town.

The group has been involved in a campaign to have the Valuation Office issue realistic rateable values on business premises. One business owner faced a rates increase of up to 600 percent with many more facing multiples of their previous bills.

WBA has also campaigned against plans to introduce bicycle lanes and reduce parking spaces in the town centre calling instead for footpaths and cycle lanes on the approach roads to the town, among other proposals. WBA is also calling for ‘docking stations’ for Lime bikes if they are to continue operating in the town.

Karen O’Malley (Karen O’Malley and Co Solicitors), Teresa Walsh (Walsh Property Rental and Sales), Rita Langan (Bee Green Dry Cleaners) in the West Bar. 

Members expressed appreciation for the efforts of Mayo County Council with the erection of this year’s Christmas lights, with many added features and also paid tribute to the ongoing work of the four area councillors, Peter Flynn, Christy Hyland, John O’Malley and Brendan Mulroy. WBA is also grateful for the Garda commitment to provide more visible policing with foot patrols over the festive season.

A collection on the evening raised €610 for the local St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal with promises of further funds to be submitted. The following day William Reidy handed over the €610 to Marie Ruane of SVP.

WBA looks forward to further activity in 2024 providing support and advice to the local business community, adopting the Irish expression, ní neart go cur le chéile.