Dundalk on Ice brings economic boost to town centre this Christmas

The success of this year’s Dundalk on Ice experience has led to an economic boost for the town centre this Christmas season.

To date thousands of skaters, of all ages and expertise have taken to the Dundalk on Ice rink and with the benefit of being a fully enclosed real ice facility has made it the most successful rink Dundalk has played host to.

Planet Ice who operate Dundalk on Ice have remained true to their commitment to support the local economy and as far as possible have created seasonal employment locally via the rink’s construction, staffing, security etc.

Offering a family fun experience, families and friends not only arrive into Dundalk to skate, they stay to shop and socialise, creating a additional financial spend in the town.

Martin McElligott, Dundalk BIDS said that the success of this year’s Dundalk on Ice has gone beyond expectation.

“It has been fantastic to see so many people going into skating sessions, day in, day out, whether it’s families, school groups or friends meeting up.  The enclosed rink has meant that weather doesn’t deter people from coming along.

“Plus the feedback we are receiving from the neighbouring businesses is that people are staying in the town after their skating session be it to socialise in the coffee shops, restaurants etc or to carry out some Christmas shopping.

“Dundalk BIDs is just thrilled to have played a major role in bringing this year’s Dundalk on Ice experience to life.”

McDara Hosty of Planet Ice, is also very positive of the group’s first project in Dundalk.

“We are very happy with the way Dundalk on Ice is going. We found a great seasonal workforce here in the relevant areas. There has been a very positive attitiude to what we were doing from day one and I am happy to say that from what we are hearing, is that our facility on the Market Square is boosting Christmas trade, creating a win win situation for us all.

“Now, as the school holidays start we are looking forward to welcoming thousands more to Dundalk on Ice in the coming weeks.”

Dundalk on Ice will remain open each day at the Market Square until January 4^th, with the exception of Christmas Day.

For further details re session times, opening hours, booking etc visit www.dundalkonice.com or the Dundalk on Ice Facebook page.

A Dundalk on Ice Box Office is located in Marshes Shopping Centre and of course, bookings can also be made at Dundalk on Ice at the Market Square

Dundalk on Ice is partnered with Marshes Shopping Centre, Dundalk BIDS, Dundalk Bureau de Change, iRadio, The Argus, Meridian Security Ltd, Long Walk Shopping Centre and Dundalk Tidy Towns.

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.