News

Ballina Salmon Festival, Irelands Oldest Community Festival along the wild Atlantic Way celebrates its 60th Anniversary in 2024

The Ballina Salmon Festival’s 60th anniversary celebration in July 2024 promises an extraordinary array of events that showcase the rich cultural heritage and community spirit of Mayo. From July 6th

Ballina Chamber launches Local and EU Election Manifestos

Ballina Chamber has unveiled its Local and EU Election Manifestos, urging candidates to adopt bold visions for Ireland’s long-term growth and prosperity. With the elections set for June, Ballina Chamber

BALLINA SALMON FESTIVAL, MIDWEST RADIO AND CALLAN TANSEY SOLICITORS ANNOUNCE THE INAUGURAL ‘BEST OF BALLINA’ AWARDS 2024

Ballina is such a good news story!  From fishing to festivals and from history to culture the town is bursting with enthusiasm and culture – driven by people and organisations

2024 Vendors expression of interest now Open!

National Heritage Day 2024 Ballina Salmon Festival is delighted to announce the return of its flagship event, National Heritage Day, planned for Wednesday 10th July. This year is the 60th

Castlebar and Ballina named best towns for work-life balance in Ireland

Castlebar is the best town for work-life balance in Ireland., while Ballina is the second-best town, Co Mayo. Castlebar and Ballina beat 48 other towns in Switcher.ie’s new Work-life balance

Uisce Éireann works in full flow for Moy Town

As Ballina reflects on a momentous 2023, Uisce Éireann is promising a further lift in 2024 as it delivers a project to secure the town centre’s water supply for generations

Record Quarter of a Million Sales of Ballina Shop Local Vouchers throughout 2023!

Great news from Ballina, as Tracey Glacken, President of Ballina Chamber, announced the extraordinary success of the Ballina Shop Local Gift Vouchers in 2023. With record sales surpassing quarter of

PLANTING A TREE FOR BALLINA’S 2023 GENERATION

As part of Ballina’s Climate Action Weekend, recognising the significance of 2023 as Ballina’s 300th anniversary celebrations, a young oak tree has been planted dedicated to the children born in

Ballina Chamber teams up local food, cosmetics, and crafts providers to create the unique Taste of Ballina Christmas Hamper.

Celebrating the best of Ballina and North Mayo produce, this Christmas hamper is filled with products that have been lovingly selected to ensure your choice of Christmas gift is the

Mayo Business Awards

On Friday November 10th Mayo Business Awards 2023, a collaboration with Mayo County Council, Mayo Local Enterprise Office and Mayo Chambers recognised the work done by businesses across the County.

Nominate your group or event sponsor for a special recognition award

Ballina 2023 is sponsoring a new Award for Best Community/ Cultural/ Sports Sponsorship by a local business, corporation, or enterprise Here’s your chance to get your local event, club or

‘Building Better Business’ roadshow comes West to Co. Mayo!

Businesses from across the West attended #BuildingBetterBusiness in #Ballina to learn about navigating their green journey and how to boost business performance through digital transformation, as part of a new initiative by

Just when you thought it couldn’t be done… Martha Galvin has done it again!

For the second year in a row, she been crowned the IHF Irish Hairdresser of the Year!With salons in Castlebar and Ballina, Martha has been named the Irish Hairdressing Federation’s

CAIRDEAS LE CHÉILE SEMINAR WAS A STANDOUT EVENT OF SOCIAL INCLUSION AWARENESS WEEK IN MAYO

As part of Social Inclusion Awareness Week, a thought-provoking seminar ‘Cairdeas le Chéile’ took place in the Ballina Arts Centre, which was organised by the Mayo Says No to Racism

The Mayo Business Awards 2023 is now open for entries.

Once the flagship annual event for businesses across Mayo, the Mayo Business Awards returned in 2015 after an absence of a number of years. The 2022 awards were a huge

Prestigious RHA West Exhibition Opens in Ballina

A large crowd attended the launch of RHA West on Saturday evening, September 9 in. the Municipal Gallery at Ballina Civic Offices. Presented by Ballina 2023 in partnership with Ballina

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF MAYO: ENTER THE ‘HOME TO MAYO’ COMPETITION TO WIN FLIGHTS TO MAYO NEXT MAY!

Mayo Day is the annual celebration of all things Mayo and Mayo County Council are thrilled to announce its milestone tenth-anniversary celebration will be taking place in May 2024. To

Exhibit and Display at this years National Heritage Day as part of Ballina Salmon Festival 2023

Ballina Salmon Festival is delighted to announce the return of its flagship event, National Heritage Day, planned for Wednesday 12th July 2023. This organiser’s of this year’s National Heritage Day have

Ballina Chamber Networking returns to North Mayo

Ballina Chamber held a networking event recently at the Connact Distillery based in Belleek. It was the first in a series of planned networking events organised by the Chamber and

Mayo Mental Health Association annoucne opening of new Information Centre in Ballina.

Mayo Mental Health Association are delighted to announce the opening of their new Information Centre, located in Bohernasup, Ballina to support the North Mayo region.  The official launch for the

Chambers Ireland raises concerns that further Covid-related measures will be needed within weeks

Following a meeting this morning of the Chambers of Commerce Chief Executives from around the country, in particular Ballina Chamber, Chambers Ireland, the voice of Business throughout Ireland, has released

Chambers Ireland welcomes Budget 2022 but critical issue of town centres and vacancies has yet to be tackled

Chambers Ireland, the voice of business throughout Ireland, has welcomed the Government’s focus on capital investment, childcare, and remote working in Budget 2022. Speaking this afternoon, Chambers Ireland CEO Ian

Chambers of Commerce to co-host all-island climate change event

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will join First Minister, Paul Givan MLA and deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA for an all-island climate change event in Belfast this week. Jointly hosted by

Launch of We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Mayo

Mayo CYPSC, in partnership with Healthy Mayo, Mayo County Council and Mayo Chambers of Commerce are launching “We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Mayo”, a breastfeeding initiative set up to improve the health

Ballina 2023 is going live!

Ballina 2023 to host free open-air live music event at Tom Ruane Park Ballina 2023 new website and new logo to be revealed Specially Commissioned Film to showcase Ballina to

Mayo Irish Dancing School Founder Bags Prestigious Business Accolade

Sheila Moffatt Named All-Ireland All-Star Cultural Ambassador Traditional Arts 2021 Moffatt School Of Irish Dancing founder Sheila Moffatt has been named All-Star Cultural Ambassador in Traditional Arts 2021 by the

‘MOVE TO MAYO’

Move to Mayo, a promotional campaign by Mayo County Council in conjunction with iRadio will launch Monday next, August 23rd.   The campaign aims to showcase Mayo as the best place

Mayo Coaches Work With Football Legends To Promote Integration in Ireland

Football coaches Dan Gorman and Jonathan Heffernan from Ballina County Mayo teamed up with football legends Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Glenn Hoddle and Steve Macmanaman to deliver a landmark event

Green for Micro, Green for Business

The official launch of the Green for Micro Programme took place on Monday, March 1st by the Local Enterprise Office nationwide. Sustainability is often quite a theoretical concept and many

Mental Health Engagement Ballina Forum as part of Ballina 2023

The Ballina Mental Health Forum at the National Office for Mental Health Engagement is focussing on working actively with service users, family members and carers in the Community, and are working in

Chambers Ireland looks to engage business on the Sustainable Development Goals

Chambers Ireland, the body which represents 40 chambers of commerce in Ireland, has called on Irish business to become leaders in the effort to create a more sustainable society. The

Local Authority Of The Year Presented To Mayo County Council

In late 2020, Mayo County Council was announced by Chambers Ireland as the Local Authority of the Year.  The accolade which was awarded under the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local

Sustained support and stimulus for local economies must be at centre of Recovery Plan, says Chambers Network.

Ahead of an announcement on the further reopening of society and economic activity, Chambers Ireland is today (28 May 2021) calling on Government to ensure businesses are given the best

Mature discussion urgently required – Chambers Ireland and the Chambers network calls for certainty on reopening and duration of supports

Ahead of the Cabinet meeting later today, Chambers Ireland this morning (29 April) calls on Government to give certainty on financial supports and the reopening strategy for the months to

JOIN OUR BID TO BE IRELAND’S GREENEST TOWN BY 2025

Ballina – Ireland’s Greenest Town is an initiative to make Ballina Ireland’s greenest town by 2025. It brings together families, business and community groups in Ballina and North Mayo to

Government has no time to waste and must support town centres during summer reopening, says Chambers Ireland

Following a meeting of Chamber CEOs, Chambers Ireland today (30 March 2021) calls on Government to use the time wisely and ensure we can plan for a sustainable reopening. Speaking

A more family-friendly workplace is essential to children’s wellbeing and will be critical to post-pandemic recovery

Chambers Ireland and UNICEF Ireland have together issued a call to action for more family-friendly workplaces. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the lives of children and their families as health

Empowering Mayo Businesses to Recover

During this extraordinary time in business, Ballina Chamber of Commerce want to support and empower you with the skills, knowledge and expertise in activating your business now as well as

New COVID Aid Scheme Welcome But More Detail Needed, says Chambers Ireland

Chambers Ireland today (9 Feb 2021) welcomes announcement by Government that COVID business grants will be expanded. Speaking this afternoon Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said, “We have raised

Existing Financial Supports Too Restrictive – Chambers Ireland Calls for Fresh Approach and Expansion of Payments

Chambers Ireland today (21 January 2020) calls on Government to substantially rethink and refresh the range of COVID-19 supports available to businesses over the coming months. Speaking this morning, Chambers

Remote Work Strategy an Ambitious Vision for Future of Work- Chambers Ireland Calls for Acceleration of Broadband Plan

Chambers Ireland today (15 January 2021) welcomes the publication by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar of the National Remote Working Strategy “Making Remote Work”. The report commits to an acceleration of the

Ballina Begin Together Fund Application

Ballina was fortunate to win the Bank of Ireland Begin Together Awards in 2020 in the 4-7k population category; a collaborative effort spearhead by Ballina Chamber of Commerce. As a

Ballina, Irelands Greenest Town

What was one of the very last big events in Co Mayo hosted by the Mary Robinson Centre; the 5th International Human Rights Lecture held in Ballina on March 6th

€100K worth of Ballina Shop Local Vouchers purchased in November!

In what has been a unprecedented year for the business community, there is some light at the end of tunnel for Ballina retailers; Ballina Chamber is delighted to announce it

Stay local, borrow local and spend local urges Ballina Credit Union

The new Loca-Fi campaign from Ballina Credit Union is encouraging people in the area to shop local this Christmas to help protect businesses and their employees during this critical time.

Planning for Ballina 2023 gets underway

Year-long series of events to celebrate anniversary of formal establishment of Ballina and deliver a legacy 2023 may feel like a lifetime away, especially from lockdown, but already, plans are

“Places Matter”- New Reference Guide Illustrates Chamber-Led Best Practice in Supporting Local Economies

Chambers Ireland has today (11 November 2020) published its ‘Places Matter’ – Chamber Guide to Best Practice in Collaboration and Local Economic Development. Supported by An Post, the ‘Places Matter’

Ballina Chamber President ask folk to think Local before shopping.

Ballina Chamber of Commerce has made an appeal to local consumers to make an effort and ‘shop for Ballina’ in your local town and region where possible to ensure that

Western Chambers Call for Increased Funding for Ireland West Airport Knock

On October 22nd, Galway Chamber, along with representatives from Ballina Chamber and fellow Chambers in Mayo and Sligo, met virtually with Minister of State for International and Road Transport and

Revenue update on changes to EWSS subsidy rates and payment schedule

Last Monday (19/10/2020) the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, T.D., announced that the rates of subsidy provided for under the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) will be revised to achieve

Mayo County Council shortlisted in 5 cateogories in the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2020

Chambers Ireland today revealed the shortlist for the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2020. In its 17th year, the Awards features a total of 86 projects from Local Authorities shortlisted

Expansionary approach to Budget 2021 – National Economic Plan must build on this.

The theme of the Chambers Ireland Budget submission is “Place” and through it we called on Government to support businesses to trade through the pandemic, by supporting liquidity, local economies

Business community calls for immediate clarification on potential new restrictions – evolved strategy for living with Covid-19 urgently required

This morning (5 October 2020) Chambers Ireland expresses concern at new advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team that the entire country should move to Level 5. Speaking this

Western Business Community Unite to Fight for Ireland West Airport Knock

The business community of Galway, Mayo and Sligo has united for the first time, to call with one voice for Government to respond to the challenges currently facing Ireland West

Chambers Ireland launches new research on digital learning and skills development during COVID-19 restrictions

Chambers Ireland today (22 September 2020) launches new data on engagement with training and life-long learning between the months of March and June. The survey polled businesses and employees to

Putting Place First – Government Budget 2021 stimulus must restore the health of our towns and cities

Chambers Ireland, supported by Ballina Chamber, launches its submission to Government detailing recommendations to be included in Budget 2021 and the longer term National Economic Plan. Aligned with the Sustainable

Chambers Ireland Calls for National Co-ordinated Strategy on Managing Virus Needed to support Local Economies

Chambers Ireland has today (1 September) sent a letter to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin outlining the concerns of our members regarding the Government response to Covid-19 in advance of the

LETTER TO TAOISEACH ON ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW FORUM REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW RESTRICTIONS

Chambers Ireland supported by the Chamber network has written to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD asking that the Department of the Taoiseach establish a regular forum to discuss matters regarding

Taoiseach-led “Town Centre First” Initiative vital to national economic recovery stimulus package

In a submission to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Chambers Ireland today (30 July 2020) calls for the establishment of an inter-departmental National Town Centre Taskforce to revive urban centres, address

JULY STIMULUS PACKAGE PUBLISHED

The Government has now published the July Stimulus Package, which aims to help businesses across Ireland recover & to return people to employment.The July Jobs Stimulus is the next phase in

Your Friday nights are about to get more interesting!

Friday Night Live from Ballina Music brings us together, even when we need to be apart. In that spirit, EAV- Event Audio Visual in collaboration with the Ballina Arts Centre

Chambers Ireland welcomes progress on Government Formation

Chambers Ireland today (15 June) welcomed progress in the formation of a new Government and the publication of a Programme for Government. Speaking this afternoon, Chief Executive Ian Talbot said;

MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL ANNOUNCE MEASURES TO HELP BUSINESSES GET BACK ON TRACK

As restrictions ease and businesses reopen their doors, Mayo County Council want to work with local business to assist them in getting their business back on track. Dedicated teams have

With our economy re-opening, the hard work is only beginning. Regional differentials risk being exacerbated

Chambers Ireland and our nationwide network of Chambers has today (10 June 2020) published results from a survey of the Irish business community. This survey sought to quantify and highlight

Operational Guidelines & related business supports from Fáilte Ireland

Some of you may have been listening to our CEO Paul Kelly on Morning Ireland just now. Fáilte Ireland has just published the sector specific operational guidelines for the tourism

Online trading a lifeline for business – additional funding welcomed by Chambers Ireland

Chambers Ireland today (8 June 2020) welcomes news from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, that the Trading Online Voucher

Progress in Reopening Economy Welcome – Retention of Financial Support in this phase critical, says Chambers Ireland

Chambers Ireland welcomes this afternoon’s announcement (5 June 2020) that the “Roadmap to Re-Opening the Economy” will be escalated and compressed to four stages, rather five, and that we can

In briefing with Minister for Finance, Chambers Ireland calls for certainty on COVID-19 financial supports and commitment on National Development Plan

Ahead of this morning’s (5 June 2020) Cabinet meeting, Chambers Ireland welcomed Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, in a digital briefing to Chief Executives and Directors of our network of

Data Crucial to Obtaining Supports for Business – Chambers Ireland Launches Latest COVID-19 Business Impact Survey

Chambers Ireland is today (27 May) launching our latest Covid-19 business impact survey. The target of this survey are the business owners and operators around the country, both those whose

Half measures not enough – Chambers Ireland calls for significant expansion of supports to support business through COVID-19 catastrophe

Following today’s (22 May 2020) launch of the Restart Fund, Chambers Ireland calls on Government to urgently commit to increased funding and a more expansive approach, so that businesses of

Chambers Ireland welcomes wellspring of supports from An Post

Following today’s (20 May 2020) announcement from An Post of its commitment of €2 million worth of practical supports for Ireland’s SMEs to get back to business, Chambers Ireland welcomes

Ballina Chamber Say Government Must Increase Financial Support For Ireland West Airport Knock

Ballina Chamber of Commerce have said that Ireland West Airport Knock, will play a major role in rebuilding the tourism industry in the county after the Covid-19 crisis and the

Wide-Ranging Financial Supports Welcomed by Business as We Plan for Re-Opening of Economy

Chambers Ireland welcomes announcement from Cabinet this afternoon (2 May 2020) of additional financial supports for businesses, particularly SMEs, who have been impacted by COVID-19. The supports range from waivers

Government announces 26 new COVID-19 research and innovation projects to complement existing third-level research activity

Issued by the Government Press Office 29 April 2020 Projects will address key areas such as frontline healthcare, diagnostics, infection control, contact tracing, mental health, potential treatments, and management of

Latest Chambers Ireland Survey Highlights Costs to Business in Reopening and Calls for More Support from Government

Chambers Ireland and our nationwide network of chambers has today (30 April 2020) published results from a survey of the Irish business community. This survey seeks to quantify and highlight

Ballina Fringe Festival & Pure Ballina! Promise to Shine Again in October

Ballina Fringe Festival, now in its third year, will take place 9-18 October.  The good news was announced today by festival organisers, who are actively planning ahead and looking forward

Rebooting The Economy – Your Opportunity to have a say!

The 3rd Chambers Ireland survey has just been launched. Ballina Chamber and all the Mayo Chambers network are asking ALL businesses across all sectors in Co Mayo to complete this

Businesses urged to start planning for comeback after Covid-19 restrictions lift

Businesses should start to plan how they will come back when Covid-19 restrictions lift, speaking to Ireland AM, today, Tuesday, Heather Humphreys, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation said businesses

The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities must enable more equitable charges to business users

Chambers Ireland has made a submission to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) asking them to be more flexible in how business consumers are billed as part of

Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020

On Friday, 27 March 2020, the Government passed the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020, which introduces additional supports and protections for renters during the COVID-19 emergency

Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme – Competitive Call for Funding

Enterprise Ireland will launch a call for funding on April 20 to support retail companies to enhance their digital capability. This is a competitive fund which will be administered by

Chambers Ireland survey results highlight severity of economic impact and calls for unprecedented economic stimulus for post-pandemic recovery

Ballina Chamber, fellow Mayo Chambers and Chambers Ireland and our nationwide network of chambers has today (9 April 2020) published the results of a survey of its members, which seeks

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD announces Major Expansion of Business Supports for SMEs

Minister Heather Humphreys TD, today announced a major expansion of supports for all businesses impacted by COVID-19. €1 billion in liquidity measures available for SMEs €180m Sustaining Enterprise Fund launched

Chambers Ireland launches latest Covid-19 Business Community Survey

This morning, Chambers Ireland launches our second Covid-19 Business Community Survey. This survey is targeted at business owners and operators, both those who are members of their local chambers of

Irish Water defers the introduction of new business charges to support businesses during the Covid 19 Emergency

Irish Water’s new non-domestic tariff framework for business customers is to be deferred as a result of the current Covid 19 emergency. The new framework which supports a new national

COVID-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme – Employer Eligibility and Supporting Proofs

On 24 March 2020, the Government announced measures to provide financial support to workers affected by the COVID-19 crisis. As part of these measures and building on the functionality developed

Government action on Commercial Rates does not go far enough and more action may be required as crisis evolves, says Chambers Ireland

Earlier this week, Chambers Ireland and our nationwide network of chambers called on Government and all State bodies to be flexible and responsive to the needs of their business and economic

COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Ireland’s first case of Coronavirus was confirmed on 29 February 2020. The Government is taking measures to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. Please find below links to key

Chambers Ireland joins Government, Trade Unions & Employer Bodies in shared National Effort to respond to COVID-19

Chambers Ireland has today issued the following joint statement with the Government, trade unions and other employer bodies. Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said, “We are committed to showing

Minister Humphreys announces supports for businesses impacted by COVID-19

Tuesday, 10 March 2020 The Minister of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI), Heather Humphreys TD, today announced details on the package of supports she has put in place for businesses

Ballina St Patricks Day Parade Cancelled.

With news just breaking that the Cabinet Sub-Committee dealing with the Coronavirus has decided to cancel the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, many parades around the country has followed

Mayo Local Enterprise Week 2020 Activities

Local Enterprise Week 2-6 March 2020 The first week in March will see small businesses and budding entrepreneurs gather across the country for Local Enterprise Week 2020. An initiative of

DAVID GRAY – JYELLOWL – SODA BLONDE JC STEWART – THE HOWL & THE HUM

ANNOUNCED FOR TV RECORDINGS AT OTHER VOICES BALLINA 2020 Multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated, singer-songwriter DAVID GRAY, Kildare rapper JYELLOWL, new dreamy, alternative-pop music from SODA BLONDE, rising songwriter from Derry JC

First 15 Music Trail Acts Announced

Festival Registration now open on Eventbrite Other Voices Ballina 2020 Friday 28th & Saturday 29th February, Ballina, Co. Mayo First 15 acts revealed for the Other Voices Ballina Music Trail

NEW CLOONGULLANE BRIDGE AND BALLINA ORBITAL ROUTE GETS FUNDING GO AHEAD.

It has been confirmed by the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) that construction of a new bridge at Cloongullane near Swinford on the N26 will get underway in 2020 receiving funding

Ballina Town Centre’s Pulse taken in first Town Centre Health Check

The findings of a major new consumer survey on the strengths and opportunities for Ballina Town Centre have been released this week by the Ballina Collaborative Town Centre Health Check

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR MAYO ANNUAL AWARDS 2020

Nominations are now open for the Mayo Annual Awards 2020, which will be presented to the ‘Mayo Person of the Year’, the ‘Meitheal’ and the ‘Young Mayo Person of the

Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards

Fingal County Council was named Local Authority of the Year at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards. The 16th annual Awards ceremony was held in association with the

Mayo Business Awards 2019

Mayo Chambers and local organisations, in association with Mayo.ie and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Mayo, are delighted to announce that the prestigious Mayo Business Awards will take place on

Summer Programme kicks off at The Core

Young musicians aged 12 to 18 will have the opportunity to engage in a plethora of musical activities this summer including camps, clinics, workshops and a multitude of performance opportunities across