Lack of new thinking by government in budget - IBEC

Fri, Dec 09, 2011

IBEC, the group that represents Irish business, has stated that the Government has relied too heavily on increasing tax in Budget 2012, rather than reducing current expenditure. The group welcomed specific measures aimed at supporting R&D and financial services, attracting mobile talent and restoring normal activity to the property market, but said the scale of these positive measures was small when compared to the very negative effect of the €90 million increase in employer PRSI charges and the major reduction in the redundancy rebate, announced yesterday. The total cost of Budget 2012 to business will be in the region of €400 million.

Visitor numbers up but Tourism Ireland remain cautious about 2012

Fri, Dec 09, 2011

Commenting on CSO figures issued this week on overseas visitor numbers to Ireland for the period January-October 2011, Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, stated: “These figures show that visitor numbers for the year to date are now +7.4 per cent ahead of the same 10-month period last year. However, the economic turmoil of recent months has brought increased uncertainty, affecting business and consumer confidence, and in turn, international travel. Given the scale of the challenges facing the global economy right now, travel and tourism look likely to face a fairly cautious passage into 2012.”

Upward only rent reviews apply only on NAMA properties

Fri, Dec 09, 2011

Upward only rent reviews that are causing financial hardship for tenants leasing expensive commercial properties can only be reviewed where those properties are owned by NAMA, but not where they are in private ownership.

Tourism numbers look set to grow this year

Thu, Nov 24, 2011

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar has welcomed the ongoing increase in visitor numbers so far this year, and predicted annual growth in visitor numbers for the first time in four years.

Greenway businesses head to London

Thu, Nov 24, 2011

New business opportunities for Mayo were explored in London recently when a group of eight delegates from Westport, Louisburgh, Mulranny, and Castlebar, representing local tourism businesses and linked together by the Greenway, attended the World Travel Market in London recently as part of a fact-finding, marketing, training expedition.

Mayo Coffee Club Christmas meeting

Thu, Nov 24, 2011

December’s Mayo Open Coffee Club meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 7 in the Harlequin Hotel, Castlebar, and will have a distinctly Christmas feel.

Beauty added to hair salon

Fri, Nov 18, 2011

At Cashel in Achill ladies and gentlemen already enjoying great hair care at Galla Hair can now look forward to having their beauty needs met as well - with the launch this month of the new beauty side to the business. Everything from facials to hot stone massages and ear candling can now be enjoyed as part of the range of holistic therapies on offer at Galla Hair and Beauty - which will surely prove a great bonus to existing and new customers in the locality.

Balla stoves - newly opened on Main Street

Fri, Nov 18, 2011

Since opening its doors one week ago Balla Stoves has attracted a lot of passing traffic with customers and potential customers checking out what is in store. Offering a wide range of stoves - supplied and fitted - as well as building brick and stone fireplaces, with prices starting from €250, according to PJ at Balla Stores it’s attracting “a fair bit of interest”.

Print and embroidery specialist

Fri, Nov 18, 2011

In North Mayo in the happening town of Belmullet, T&T Clothing, print and embroidery specialists - supply and online - which opened recently have been kept going catering to new demand and customers. Both Garry and Frances Todd are at the helm at T&T and according to Garry, the Irish love of GAA, football and all things sport is really helping the business.

New Ford dealer

Fri, Nov 18, 2011

After just two weeks in business, JJ Griffiths, new Ford dealer, on the Newport Road in Castlebar, has already sold a number of new cars.

Allure

Fri, Nov 18, 2011

Allure hairdressing - already trading successfully in Ballina for a number of years - is now open in its new Castlebar salon right next door to the Mayo Advertiser on Market Square. Let the award-winning staff at Allure shampoo away the stresses and strains of your busy day - and follow it up with a relaxing head massage, leaving you feeling utterly pampered and relaxed.

Scarlet

Fri, Nov 18, 2011

Scarlet is a new ladies’ fashion shop with a difference opened recently on Main Street Castlebar, just across from Leo Doherty menswear. In fact, Scarlet is an extension of Leo Doherty menswear as part of its new move into ladies’ quality fashion labels.

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