Iconic Ballina business needs bigger space to meet increased workload

The Ballina Municipal District has been urged to support one of the town’s most established businesses in its efforts to secure a bigger workspace, writes Paul O'Malley. 

Fine Gael Cllr John O’Hara raised a notice of motion at last week's municipal district meeting calling on the council to work with the Ballina Costume Company to assist them in securing extra space to accommodate their increased workload.

“The Costume Company is established here for many, many years. They have 90,000 costumes in stock and employ nine people. They support everything that goes on here in Ballina - festivals, schools, clubs and organisations.

“Anything they’re asked to do, they put their hands to it," he said.

Cllr O'Hara said they would like to be considered for a space at the Garda Barracks on Walsh Street, which is currently being rejuvenated by the council, because they work closely with the Jackie Clarke Collection nearby.

“They cannot afford to walk from A to B all the time. They often have to walk down through the town carrying costumes in the rain and would like to be considered for something closer."

Head of the district Declan Turnbull said the Costume Company was great for the town and council officials would discuss the matter with them and see what could be done.