Castlerea businessman and Roscommon county councillor, Paschal Fitzmaurice, said the town’s Christmas lights were lit a little earlier this year in order to raise spirits ahead of what he hopes will be a busy festive period.
“We did well with the Christmas lights this year despite Covid-19. There were a lot of volunteers and local businesspeople out helping to put them up. We found that people were really looking to the Christmas atmosphere and so they were thankful when they saw the lights go up early. The lights lifted their spirits after what has been a difficult year,” he said.
Cllr. Fitzmaurice runs Market Fresh greengrocers in the town, and while he could remain open for business during lockdown, he understands the effect Covid-19 had on many businesspeople this year.
“I was fortunate that I didn’t have to close (as an essential service) but many other businesses – both in Castlerea and the wider county – were forced to. The important thing to remember is that a lot of businesses had bought in stock and had done up their premises to meet Covid guidelines and then they were forced to close again under the second lockdown.
“On a positive note, it is great to see local shops reopen in Castlerea recently. It’s unfortunate that the pubs can’t reopen however but hopefully that can happen as soon as possible.
“It’s also positive that Castlerea Mart has reopened to a limited number of customers. We have a great mart in this town two days a week and it brings people into Castlerea so it’s important that that could reopen for business,” he said.
The ‘Shop Local’ message is one that has echoed across County Roscommon this year – and Castlerea is no different.
“I would be encouraging people to support their local businesses. It’s been a tough year for businesses in Castlerea and it’s important that we keep it local for Christmas shopping this year.
“Looking at the wider picture, businesses have been very supportive of people and clubs in Castlerea and at the core of every town is that amalgamation of services – whether it be sporting, business, local schools, for example. It’s only when things are gone do we miss them.
“We’re very lucky in Castlerea that we have a number of very strong committees and big local employers such as Color Communications and Harmac Medical. It’s all of these things that make Castlerea a great town to live in,” he concluded.
