Tom Dowling, Chair of the judging panel of the Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards:
“My colleague judges and I were very impressed with the excellent presentation on the day of judging and also the level of top-class support, active participation and endorsement, by a large number of key town influencers who were in attendance.
We were convinced by the town’s demonstration of a sustained fight-back in its efforts to be a strong capital town and a key regional influencer. We were very impressed by the progressive approach of the County Council and the local Chamber of Commerce. We also believed that the excellent future plans, its top class recreational facilities and visitor attractions, its excellent hotels, restaurants and retail businesses all combined to make Castlebar a great Rising Star winner in the Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards.
Castlebar is certainly a town with a bright future.”