Once thriving town is down but not out as recession hits home

Newcastlewest experienced a 97% rise in the number of people signing on the dole over the last year, as the town that was once the fastest-growing in the country experiences a turnaround in fortunes.

On a return visit since the last budget Claire O’Sullivan found a town struggling with a new reality

IT’S arguably one of the finest days we’ve had this year as I drive into the west Limerick town of Newcastlewest. The sky is bright blue, without a trace of cloud, and a few brave young women walk around in short skirts and T-shirts, clearly having slathered on fake tan the minute they spotted the morning glory.