Dundalk BIDS in need of a new manager

Edel O’Mahony has left her role as Dundalk BIDS manager in recent weeks

The Dundalk Business Investment District Scheme (BIDS) are on the look out for a new manager following the departure of Edel O’Mahony from the role after just six months.

Edel, who had previously worked on the Louth Economic Forum, was only appointed Dundalk BIDS manager last June.

At the time she set a challenge to “build successful relationships and work together effectively for the good of the town” but despite the efforts of her and her team the scheme hasn’t been met with the approval of all retailers.

Many feel they are not getting enough out of the BIDS programme and that not enough is being done to attract both businesses and customers back to the town centre.

It is not yet known if the vacant position will be advertised or not, with some retailers expressing frustration at the lack of answers and updates on the future of BIDS heading into 2015.

Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture 2014 now only days away

Excitement is building as the Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture 2014 is now only days away.

The Festival, heralding the official start of Dundalk’s Christmas celebrations takes place this Friday and Saturday, November 28th & 29th kicking off on the Friday evening with Dundalk FC manager Stephen Kenny, and Louth County Council Cathaoirleach, Oliver Tully officially switching on the town centre’s Christmas illuminations as well as performing the official opening of Dundalk on Ice.

Titan the Robot, is set to make a triumphant return to Dundalk this year and will be making appearances with his ultimate family entertainment comedy show over both days of the Festival, at the Market Square, and also at The Marshes Shopping Centre.

Also taking place over the two days will be the Animal Farm on the Demesne. Sponsored by PetSafe, visitors to the farm will see many different animals including chickens, giant rabbits, pygmy goats, pet sheep, llama, alpaca, as well as a small falabella pony and cart.

On Saturday afternoon, festival goers can also take their own pets along for a special animal blessing ceremony. This free Animal Farm has the full support of the Louth Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and donations to this very worthwhile local cause would be very much appreciated.

Mums and Dads don’t forget that this year there is also a special Letter to Santa Postbox this year.

Young letter writers should, if possible, attach a contact e-mail as Santa has agreed to take some time out to reply to the letters via e-mail.

The popular Christmas Markets continue at this year’s festival. A craft market featuring the best of local crafts is to be housed in the Clanbrassil Centre while around the Market Square, the aroma of seasonal spices and flavours of the food market will fill the air.

A Festival stage will be located over on the Courthouse side of the Market Square, where there will be live entertainment over the two days of the Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture.

The ever popular Blue Moose will headline the live music on Friday, while special guest on the night will be Voice of Ireland winner Brendan McCahey.

Free entertainment for all ages will be held throughout the town including fire eaters, unicyclists and other street performers along with carousels and a disco dome for the children.

A new feature this year which will help people travel easily around the town centre festival attractions is the Festival Train – a unique way to travel along the festival’s key route and take in all that the festival has to offer.

The Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture continues through to Saturday evening and will conclude with the now traditional fireworks display at the Marshes Shopping Centre lighting up the town skyline and also including the arrival of Santa via a huge Kenworth truck, the biggest truck Dundalk has ever seen.

The Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture Committee is working away in the background as the final countdown to this year’s Festival continues.

Committee member Harry Traynor of the Marshes Shopping Centre said: “There’s been a number of months hard work put in to making sure we can offer the best Festival experience over the two days.

“We’ve catered for all tastes and I am sure that there is something to suit everyone in this year’s programme.

“All I can say at this point is that I hope as many people as possible turn out, enjoy the weekend and support the Festival and Dundalk Town Centre.”

Committee member, Edel O’Mahony, Dundalk BIDS Manager said she is looking forward to a fantastic weekend to start Dundalk’s Christmas season.

“The retail community in Dundalk has made the Festival of Light & Culture possible and I would remind people that supporting local business boosts the local economy further and gives increased stability to our local workforce

“I hope everyone enjoys the festival experience, whilst also reminding people that we can all benefit in one way or another from supporting local Christmas business community initiatives.”

Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture is funded and supported by the following without whose generosity holding this community event would not be possible: Louth County Council, Marshes Shopping Centre, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dundalk BIDS, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Dundalk Tidy Towns, PetSafe, Haribo.

The Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture programme is now available in various retail outlets throughout Dundalk including The Marshes Shopping Centre and Dundalk BIDS Office/Dundalk Tourist Office.

Dundalk FC show support for Festival of Light & Culture

Members of Dundalk FC supporting the Dundalk Festival of Light and Culture at the Crowne Plaza on Saturday. Pictured from left: Fiona Cunningham, Dane Massey, Andy Boyle, Brian Gartland, Ciaran Bond, John Mountney, Edel O’Mahony, Kurtis Byrne, Gabriel Sava and Sinead Roche

Given the huge support that the people of Dundalk had shown Dundalk FC in a hugely successful season, the SSE Airtricity League champions took time out from their major celebrations on Saturday to show their support for another local success story – The Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture.

Just before they took to the open top bus to parade through Dundalk, and in the midst of an amazing atmosphere during which the players met waiting fans, signed autographs and posed for photographs, the players joined festival organisers Edel O’Mahony, Fiona Cunningham and Sinead Roche to find out what is in store for festival goers on Friday and Saturday, November 28^th & 29^th.

Speaking afterwards, Dundalk BIDS Manager Edel said the Festival of Light committee were thrilled with the Dundalk FC endorsement.

“Saturday was such a great day for Dundalk FC, despite the weather, and we were so happy that they took some time out to meet with us and show their support for Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture.

“They realise the amazing confidence that the people of Dundalk had placed in them and they understand that for anything to be a success there must be support.

“It wasn’t just a photo opportunity for them. They were full of questions asking when was the Festival on, what would be happening etc. They really got into the spirit of supporting Dundalk this Christmas.”

The Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture takes place throughout the Dundalk town centre on Friday & Saturday, November 28^th & 29^th.

Highlights include the official switching on of the town centre illuminations and the official launch of Dundalk on Ice.

Titan the Robot will be making a triumphant return to the Market Square and the Marshes Shopping Centre, while a new feature this year will be a free Animal Farm sponsored by PetSafe with a donation request in aid of Louth SPCA.

Also new this year is the Letter to Santa Postbox to be located on the Market Square by the BIDS office.

 

The live music line up is nearing completion with Blue Moose headlining Friday night, and a special appearance due from The Voice of Ireland winner, Brendan McCahey.

Street entertainment has been placed high on the Festival list of priorities. There’ll be a circus atmosphere as people throng around the attractions including the fantastic Christmas Markets, with street entertainment provided by Babcock and Bobbins, featuring fire juggling, unicycling, stilt walking and fire breathing.

Also performing throughout the town centre streets will be The Afrikan Warriors, displaying tradition Tanzanian acrobatics combined with music humour and astonishing moves.

The Festival train will weave its way around Dundalk’s streets from the Festival’s core points on the town centre and in the Marshes Shopping Centre, which is also the location for the Festival fireworks for the closing of the Festival on Saturday evening.

Dundalk Festival of Lights is funded and supported by the following: Louth County Council, Dundalk BIDS, Marshes Shopping Centre, Dundalk on Ice, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Dundalk Tidy Towns, Dundalk Bureau de Change, PetSafe and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture 2014 programme unveiled

Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture 2014 – the official start of the town’s Christmas celebrations takes place on Friday and Saturday, November 28^th &29^th with a two-day packed programme of events, set against the brightly illuminated buildings of the town centre.

Celebrations on Friday night will include the switching on of the town centre illuminations and Christmas tree along with the official launch of Dundalk on Ice

Titan the Robot, who made a huge impression last year returns to Dundalk and will be meeting his fans both in the Dundalk Town Centre and The Marshes Shopping Centre over the two days of the Festival.

Funny, fast paced and full of surprises, Titan is the ultimate family entertainment comedy show where you come to expect the unexpected!

Titan’s fame has seen him perform in 25 countries worldwide and in recent years Titan has danced with Rihanna in Hollywood, appeared at Wembley Stadium with Will.i.am, stolen a kiss from Heidi Klum on Germany’s Next Top Model and performed on countless TV shows.

This year’s Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture sees a number of new attractions.

An Animal Farm will be held in the Demesne. Visitors to the Farm will have the chance to see many different animals including chickens, giant rabbits, pygmy goats, pet sheep, llama, alpaca, as well as a small falabella pony and cart. Plus why not take your own pets along for the animal blessing on Saturday.

Sponsored by PetSafe, this FREE Animal Farm has the full support of the Louth Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and donations may be made to this very worthwhile local cause.

 Those who are busy writing their Letter to Santa will be interested to know that the Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture will have a designated Letter to Santa Postbox this year.

Young letter writers may be lucky and see an elf or two collecting what is sure to be sackload after sackload of post over the two days. Plus even though he will be getting into the full preparations for Christmas, rumour has it Santa may take time out of his hectic schedule  and turn up to collect some of the post in person.

After posting your letter why not head over to Earl Street where there will be plenty to amuse including carousels and a Disco Dome.

Christmas Markets continue to be featured in the Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture. A market aimed at featuring the best of local crafts and offering unique gift ideas will be housed in the Clanbrassil Centre while seasonal scents will permeate the air around the Market Square with sweet and savoury tastes catered for at the food market.

Live entertainment is once again playing an integral part in this year’s Festival of Light & Culture with stages to be located at the courthouse side of the Market Square and also on Park Street.

Blue Moose will headline the live music on Friday, November 28^th. Boasting a fantastic following in Dundalk, there’s sure to be a great turnout for what is Ireland’s most in demand cover band. Blue Moose play all major entertainment venues in the country but festival goers will have the opportunity to see them live and free at the Market Square.

A simple walk up the town will entertain during the Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture, fire eaters, unicyclists and other street performers will keep everyone entertained on the main thoroughfare.

Don’t worry if your feet get a bit weary enjoying all the attractions that Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture has to offer plus visiting the many shops in Dundalk. For the two day Festival there will be a free Festival train running through key points between the town centre and The Marshes Shopping Centre. See Dundalk from a different perspective and soak in the lights, aromas and atmosphere of the Dundalk Festival of Light & Culture.

The Festival will close on Saturday evening with a spectacular Fireworks Display at the Marshes Shopping Centre, lighting up the Dundalk skyline

Speaking on the launch of the Dundalk Festival of Light& Culture Programme Dundalk BIDS Manager, Edel O’Mahony said “The Dundalk Festival of Lights & Culture Organising Committee, which features representations from Dundalk BIDS, The Marshes Shopping Centre, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, Dundalk Tidy Towns and voluntary individuals, has put a lot of effort into bringing together this extensive programme of events and we hope that as many people as possible get to enjoy the two day festival.

“It can be difficult when budgets are tight but I do believe we have been successful in bringing a number of fantastic FREE events such as the Animal Farm, Titan the Robot the Letter to Santa post box and of course our live music, to complement the Dundalk on Ice, markets etc.

“I would encourage everyone to spread the word about  the Dundalk Festival of Lights& Culture and get behind, what is, a main community event in Dundalk’s calendar.”

Dundalk On Ice to return to the Market Square next month

Dundalk On Ice is set to return to the Market Square this Christmas season, bigger and better than ever, complete with rela ice and housed in an indoor facility.

Dundalk BIDS Manager Edel O’Mahony confirmed the news earlier today that Planet Ice have agreed to operate the enclosed ice rink over the Christmas period, opening on Friday November 21^st and running right through until Sunday January 4th.

Dundalk On Ice is set to play a pivotal role in the town’s seasonal attractions, with an expected attendance of over 35,000 set to enjoy the ‘real’ ice skating experience. The indoor facility also covers and protects skaters from the elements, giving Dundalk shoppers and visitors the opportunity to see the fun going on inside and draw even more people in to the attraction.

In announcing the Dundalk BIDS coup for the town’s Christmas calendar of events, Ms O’Mahony said: “Since taking up the position of Dundalk BIDS Manager in July of this year I have been working on bringing Dundalk On Ice back to the town centre with a main priority to make it bigger and better. This year will be a showcase of what has been evolving on the Market Square in the previous two years.

‘We have great confidence that Planet Ice will deliver a superior skating experience for Dundalk On Ice 2014,” she said.

Ms O’Mahony also confirmed that seasonal employment as far as possible will be created plus an additional boost to local businesses via ice rink staffing and the provision of ancillary services.

 “It was also my intention to feature a local workforce and encourage the use of local services in the operation of Dundalk On Ice 2014. Dundalk BIDS was adamant that this be a feature of any agreement and Planet Ice readily agreed to this.”

Commenting on their participation in Dundalk On Ice 2014 MacDara Hosty for Planet Ice said: “We are really looking forward to working with Edel and her team at Dundalk BIDS and to be playing our part in making this year’s Dundalk Christmas Festival a fantastic event. The plans that the Dundalk BIDS team have in place are pretty amazing and will really bring the town centre to life in a very special way this Christmas”.

Dundalk On Ice 2014 runs for 44 days onlym commencing on Friday November 21^st until Sunday January 4^th. The Dundalk On Ice box office opens on Friday, October 31^st in the Marshes Shopping Centre with some very special pre-opening offers for patrons wishing to purchase their tickets in advance.

Dundalk BIDS manager “thrilled” with turnout at Open Day

Dundalk BIDS manager Edel O’Mahony

Dundalk BIDS manager Edel O’Mahony has said she is thrilled with the response to the recent BIDS Open Day held in the new look BIDS and Tourist Office at the Market Square.

The event also highlighted Dundalk BIDS’ focus on ‘Better Business – Brighter Future’

“It was fantastic to see so many ratepayers as well as town representatives call into the office and was the ideal opportunity to introduce myself and listen to the many views and ideas within Dundalk’s business community,” said Edel.

She added: “I thank everyone who came along in support of Dundalk BIDS along with their views and ideas on how we can all work together for the betterment of Dundalk’s business community”

Dundalk BIDS to host open day next week

Dundalk BIDS manager Edel O’Mahony

Dundalk Business Investment District Scheme (BIDS) is to hold an Open Day at the BIDS Office on the Market Square on Wednesday, July 16^th from 10am-7pm.

The day-long event is to provide local ratepayers with the opportunity to call into the office, meet with recently appointed Dundalk BIDS Manager Edel O’Mahony and her team of Fiona Cunningham and Sinead Roche .

The occasion marks the re-launch of the new look Dundalk BIDS office with the ethos of moving forward with a focus towards ‘Better Business for a Brighter Future’

The Better Business Brighter Future’ mantra is also to feature prominently on all Dundalk BIDS branding as it has been included in the redesigned logo.

Speaking on her hopes for the Open Day Edel said:  “I have already met a number of people in my first few weeks in the BIDS office. Many of these were in meetings, in a quite formal surrounding whilst discussing specific projects.

“It would take months to meet everyone individually so my aim for the Open Day is to try and have as many people as possible call in to us in the Dundalk BIDS office, in a relaxed and friendly environment, let people know the key objectives of the office going forward and how we can work together for the betterment of the town.

“We realise that not everybody can take time out from their daily work and so, the BIDS Office will remain open until 7pm in order to facilitate as many of the ratepayers as possible.”

Edel outlined her vision for the new look Dundalk BIDS.

“It is important the Dundalk BIDS Office move forward in an informed, focussed and realistic manner, with determination and positivity. I look forward to meeting everyone who calls into the BIDS Office for the Open Day.”

For further information on the Dundalk BIDS Open Day on Wednesday, July 16^th contact the BIDS office at 042 9352842 or e-mail fiona@dundalkbids.com

PayPal jobs announcement welcomed by local politicians

Following yesterday’s announcement that PayPal were to create a further 400 new jobs in Dundalk over the next four years, politicians and businesspeople from around the area have been busy hailing the news.

Talk of the Town has bundled their comments below.

The first to welcome the news was Labour Party Senator Mary Moran, who said: “I am delighted with the announcement that 400 new jobs will be created by PayPal in Dundalk in addition to the 1,000 jobs announced two years ago.

“This announcement will have a very positive effect for Dundalk and County Louth as a whole as it will also create hundreds of indirect ‘spin-off’ jobs in the community. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Government and in the local community to see continued investment into County Louth. I would like to wish the local team at PayPal continued success in their work over the coming years.

“Even though our economic situation has steadily improved over the course of the last few years, locally, many people are still struggling for work. From adults who have re-trained or up-skilled to improve their employment chances, to the newly graduated, highly-qualified young people pouring out of our colleges and universities, this is a very welcome announcement. Supporting the creation of jobs and the building of a sustainable economy has been a key priority for this Government since day one.”

Her comments were echoed by Fianna Fáil TD Seamus Kirk, who said the announcement was “extremely important and shows the county is a real hub for contact services jobs.  The IDA has invested a lot of time and resources into promoting the North East to investors in recent years and that is really paying off.
“What we need now is a longer term strategy from the Government to ensure we have the workforce coming through with the necessary skill base to compete for these jobs in the years ahead.  PayPal has fast become a household name and its presence in Dundalk is vital to the local economy.

“The Government needs to understand that there is a clear role for the State in ensuring the competitiveness of industry and this involves keeping down costs such as electricity, water and commercial rates as well as reducing red tape.  The Government has not been doing enough in this regard in my view and more needs to be done to improve the conditions for existing businesses and investors.”

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams also welcomed the news, saying: ““This is a very welcome development and very good news for Dundalk and County Louth. It is evidence of the importance of the well-educated and experienced workforce that is available locally and will hopefully encourage other companies to invest in either existing companies or in new companies.”

Louth County Council chairman Oliver Tully and chief executive Joan Martin also welcomed the news.

Cllr Tully said: “”PayPal’s announcement of 400 additional positions demonstrates Louth’s suitability to this global industry and the excellent workforce our education system in the region is providing.”

Ms Martin added: “PayPal and Louth seem to be a perfect match. PayPal has the business, Louth had the location, supportive educational facilities and an eager workforce. I offer my thanks and congratulations to all who have made the announcement possible.”

Padraic White, chairman of the Louth Economic Forum, also praised PayPal for their ongoing support to the area.

“The Louth Economic Forum has maintained regular contact with PayPal, in particular around the Forum’s Education & Training Action Plan and has always been impressed with the support PayPal has shown for Louth.”

His comments were echoed by Michael Curran, Director of Cross-Border Development, Euro Relations and Sustainable Energies with Louth County Council. He said: “An additional 400 jobs for Dundalk plus the potential for 1,000 indirect jobs is fantastic news. I congratulate everybody involved on this latest announcement and look forward to seeing PayPal in Dundalk continue to go from strength to strength.”

Finally new Dundalk BIDS manager Edel O’Mahony described the announcement as a “beautiful day for Dundalk.”

She said: “Louise Phelan and PayPal are showing that their support remains with Dundalk and Dundalk BIDs will be happy to support.

“In the jobs announcement, Louise indicated that PayPal realises a further 1,000 spin-off jobs will be created in local businesses. This is a clear indication that PayPal has become a part of the Dundalk business community and is committed to building up, not only PayPal’s interests in the town but local interests.

“It is highly important that we work closely with PayPal to figure out how we are going to capitalise on the spin-off job potential for Dundalk businesses.

“I look forward to working with Louise Phelan and PayPal in the months and years to come.”

Edel appointed new Dundalk BIDS manager

New Dundalk BIDS manager Edel O’Mahony. Picture: Arthur Kinahan

Edel O’Mahony is Dundalk’s new Business Investment District Scheme (BIDS) Manager.

With a wealth of business knowledge from a career in both the private and public sector, Edel will lead the Dundalk BIDS team of Fiona Cunningham and Sinead Roche from the BIDS office at the Market Square.

Edel will be known to many in the business sector for her roles with both the Dundalk Economic Development Group, and more recently, the Louth Economic Forum.

While working with the Dundalk Economic Development Group, Edel had a part in developing plans for the Regeneration of the Dundalk Town Centre, the results of which can be seen with the refurbished Market Square. Her work in this area took her to numerous town centres throughout Ireland, and in doing so gave her great insight into tried and tested town centre initiatives. During this time she was also developing marketing and promotional projects for Dundalk.

Her role on the Louth Economic Forum saw her gain considerable experience in a variety of sectors including Indigenous Industry; Tourism & Heritage; Foreign Direct Investment; Agriculture, food and fisheries; Broadband and Sustainable Energy.

Edel is keen to use her ready-made list of contacts for the betterment of the town. She has forged excellent relationships with organisations including Enterprise Ireland, DkIT, Louth County Council, Local Enterprise Office, IDA and Fáilte Ireland.

In addition, Edel has a proven track record in accessing various funding from local, regional, national, EU and international sources.

Speaking on her new position as Dundalk BIDS Manager, Edel described her enthusiasm for the challenging role.

“I’m really looking forward to hitting the ground running. Obviously we are in challenging times but it only makes me more positive that BIDS and the ratepaying community can build successful relationships and work together effectively for the good of the town.

“The ratepayers have voted their support for the independent initiative that is Dundalk BIDS, and so it is vital that I listen to them and take their feedback on board.”

She added that her experience to date is very beneficial to her new post.

“I feel my work in both the private and public sector will be very beneficial to Dundalk BIDS. I’ve already gained a great deal of experience in liaising with various agencies such as all of which is a powerful advantage to my work with Dundalk BIDS.

“I’m a Louth woman and I am no stranger to Dundalk. I went to school here, I’ve worked here, and I live here. I already have an idea of the issues facing the town as well as the many positives that Dundalk has in its favour.”

BIDS Chairperson, Brian O’Neill said of Edel’s appointment: “The BIDS Committee realises Edel’s experience and knowledge on the ongoing development of the town centre can only have an extremely positive effect on Dundalk. We look forward to seeing Dundalk BIDS go from strength to strength, under her management.”