Town set for an extra festive feel this Christmas
DON’T be at all surprised if Newmarket has an extra dose of the festive feeling this Christmas because the town something of an added pep in its step.
Work on the ground is that, despite rain and drought, it’s been a good year around town, and hinterland, and that’s translating into extra business, more jobs, and a few extra shillings in people’s pockets. And, hopefully, it’ll all make for a very merry Christmas.
This year the Kerry Group plant in Newmarket added rafts of extra shifts, churning out cheddar cheese as the business struggled to keep up with demand, especially for the export market.
In fact, it seems associated local businesses - those in agri-related sectors, especially engineering - have been having very real trouble filling staff vacancies. This newspaper reported recently how engineering companies across Duhallow had to look to Poland to fill a burgeoning vacancy list, as unemployment across the region plummets - and we’ve had further reports along simmilar lines since then.
According to the CSO website there are 151 less people on the Live Register in Newmarket since last year, which represents a 20% reduction in one year.
Figures from the most recent CSO Live Register statistics in the area show there is a total of 328 males on the register in Duhallow - 19 males under 25 years and aged 25 years and over there are 309. For females aged under 25 there are just 19 on the Live Register and aged 25 and over it is 273, which gives a combined total of 292.
It all suggests a very much working local economy - though, spare a thought for employers trying to get new staff.
But there’s more for Newmarket to celebrate.
Along with the extention of the footpath from the grotto to the speed limit on the Kanturk Road, there was also confirmation this year of plans for 10 new social housing units for the town.
And, not so long after teh upgrading of the West End Park, which now boasts a playing pitch and childrens playground as well as two tennis courts, work is due to start in the few weeks on a major upgrade of the town playground. Due to start on December 3, here there will be a complete refurbishment plus the addition of extra attractions.
Meanwhile, townspeople have been marvelling at the development of the Newmarket Primary Care Centre, which is looking magnificent already - though it will be next April-ish before it is kitted out, staffed, and finally opens.
This €3 million centre will include a number of GP practices as well as specialised nursing staff plus a range of medical support services and dental clinic, facilities for minor surgery, canteen and ancilliary healthcare units.
“It will cover all aspects of what primary care centres were set up to do in a centralised location,” commented local Cllr GerardMurphy, who added that the centre will be a major addition and benefit for the wider community in Duhallow.
So, while the evenings are still getting darker and some of the days aren’t much better, there’s still a lot to be cheerful about in Newmarket as we close in on Christmas.