Castlebar looks to the past to learn for the future
Michelle Kelly, Sean Corrigan, Minister Alan Dillon, Cllr Ger Deere, Deirdre Waldron and Lorna Dennehy with children from Castlebar Educate Together National School at the launch of the 'Looking Back to the Future' video by Castlebar Tidy Towns for Climate Action Week. Picture: Alison Laredo
Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and the Circular Economy Alan Dillon recently launched a Castlebar Tidy Towns climate initiative that looks back to the past so we can learn for the future.
The initiative, supported by Castlebar Social Services and Mayo County Council is a series of personal stories from our not-too-distant past. Some popular figures from around the county town tell stories from their childhood when money was tight and they were careful not to waste anything; if things were broken, they would fix them; people lived off the land, cycled, and would look out for each other.
These are all things that are good for the climate and would save people money, creating a win-win situation.
Minister Dillon commented: “As we mark Climate Week 2025, I’m proud to stand with Castlebar Tidy Towns, Castlebar Social Services, and Mayo County Council in celebrating the wisdom of our past.
"These stories, filmed at Jack’s Cottage in Islandeady, remind us that resilience, community spirit, and living simply are not just memories, they’re solutions. When we fix what’s broken, share what we have, and care for one another, we protect both our planet and our wellbeing. Let’s honour these lessons, get involved locally, and build a future rooted in connection, sustainability, and pride in our place.”
Speaking at the launch, Cllr Ger Deere, chairperson of Castlebar Tidy Towns, said: “We would like to thank Minister Dillon for his support. By looking to the past we can learn valuable lessons. We are encouraging people to talk to their parents, their neighbours, their grandparents, listen to their stories, learn from them, buy what you need and if something breaks try and fix it.
"We are also encouraging people to get involved in the Tidy Towns, to get involved in Castlebar Social Services. Being active, getting out and about, moving and talking to people is also good for the climate and good for your mental health."
Cllr Deere extended thanks to Deirdre Waldron, and the staff in Castlebar Social Services.
"They do amazing work in our community," he added.
He also thanked Castlebar Municipal District manager David Mellett, and Lorna Dennehy, Mayo County Council, for helping to fund this initiative, as well as thank "all of the superstars in the videos" - Ann Cresham, Joe Moylett, Joe Mc Dermott, Eddie and Ernie Sweeney, Geraldine Healy and Rose Tierney.
"I see a few Oscars on the way," he joked.
Cllr Deere extended a final thanks to Castlebar Tidy Town volunteers "for this project and all they do in and around the town”.
