By Eamon Neary (Chairman)

Source : Athenry A.D.C. Publications_The Athenry Journal. Vol. 1 (1995)

Athenry Chamber of Commerce was found­ed on the 16th November 1992 by the busi­ness people of the district. At the time it was felt that there was huge vacuum in the business life of the town and the people agreed that the Chamber of Commerce would be best suited to fill this gap-

Aims

The main aim of the Chamber of Commerce is to promote local economic development.

Projects

The first project undertaken was to tackle the very inadequate water supply system and together with other organisations we eventu­ally got a twenty four hour a day water sup­ply.

Committees

Tidy Towns Committee

We initiated the setting up of the Tidy Towns Committee and are delighted with its success.

Retail Committee

Christmas 1993,a retail committee was set up….Barney Carroll, Tommy Flynn and Eamonn Neary, when a very successful draw took place which was supported by all the businesses.lt was also the first time that Santa arrived in Athenry by helicopter, thanks to the very hard working Paedar Monaghan.

Arts and Crafts Fair

1993 also saw the 1st Arts and Crafts fair in Athenry where local business people dis­played arts and crafts.This was compliment­ed by a very successful Fashion Show com­pered by Peggy Carthy O.Brien.A similarly successful show was held in 1994.

Tourist Information

In 1994 the first major Tourist Information Booklet was launched in Athenry.lt was funded by local businesses and proved to be a tremendous success. Eight thousand copies were circulated throughout Ireland, Europe .America and Australia. An updated version is been launched in the summer of 1995, a free copy of this booklet is available at the Board Failte Information point in the “Fields of Athenry” gift shop.

Christmas Promo­tion

The retail committee were again responsi­ble for a very successful Christmas promo­tion with Galway Bay FM broadcasting from the town. Again the business community came up trumps and funded it.

Tourist Information Stand

Our most recently completed project is the official tourist information stand which was so kind­ly erected by the County Council and staff(Co-Op) opposite Athenry Castle on the Community Council property.The overall cost was in excess of two thousand pounds,sponsored by local businesses whose names can be seen on the stand

“Welcome to Athenry

Another achievement in 1994 was the erection of the “Welcome to Athenry” signs on the approach roads to the town.Further signs are to follow.

Donations

As a result of social events organised by the Chamber of Commerce substantial dona­tions were given to Cystic Fibrosis at the Galway Hospice.

Our aims for 1995

(a)   To improve our water system.

(b)  To improve traffic control in Athenry.

(c)   To erect street signs.

Our meetings are held on the second Monday of every month.in Hanberry’s hotel and new members are very welcome.