Clare communities reap benefits of Christmas funding with major market makeover

The Minister of State for Planning and Local Government has welcomed the impact of €50,000 in funding which has been allocated for festive projects in Ennis this Christmas. 

A total of €450,000 was allocated to local authorities along the Western Seaboard, to support Christmas events and initiatives and to boost local economies. 

In response to proposals invited from the local authorities in October, Alan Dillon allocated €50,000 to each of the councils - in Clare, Limerick, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway City and Kerry.  

While many of these initiatives are ongoing over the Christmas period, the benefits are already evident in footfall and seasonal atmosphere and experiences in the towns concerned.  

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In Ennis, there is additional festive lighting and ‘mirror people’ on O’Connell Street, a new projector in O’Connell Square and new Christmas lights and tree in Templegate Plaza, adding to the festive cheer at the location of the popular Christmas markets.  

While much of the funding was to support Christmas lighting and markets across the region, funding has also helped to deliver innovative initiatives, such as an ice rink in Sligo and outdoor movies in Mayo. 

All these schemes share the common objective of enhancing the festive atmosphere in rural towns and villages and – crucially - encouraging people to shop local and support their town centres in the run up to Christmas.    

Minister Dillon said: “I am delighted to receive reports that the creative and innovative projects being supported by this funding is helping to boost footfall and local economies across towns and villages on the Western Seaboard. 

"I would like to commend the work of the local authorities to enhance the festive atmosphere, and enrich seasonal experiences for families and communities, which in turn encourages more people to visit their local towns and to spend locally this Christmas.

"This Government is committed to communities and the future of our rural town centres. Funding like this, strategically targeted, can make a big difference for local employers and businesses at this time of year.”