Shop local urges TD!

With businesses reopening across the county, Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith is urging people to shop local and support local businesses.

“Having come through a challenging time, I would appeal to people to give the maximum possible support to our local businesses.”

He noticed “a trend has developed” during the pandemic where people have turned to online shopping, with the number of delivery vans on the road serving as “clear evidence".

“It’s essential that we support local enterprise,” he explained that the people of Cavan are “fortunate” to have an excellent variety of shops on our doorstep, who also provide employment to local people.

“We need to support our local stores because they support local community effort in turn.

“I don’t know who will be writing to Mr Amazon for sponsorship for the local football club.”

He praised the people of Cavan who have “dealt very well with the pandemic” and sympathised with all generations of people in the area.

“The routine we had in normal times was literally torn up and shredded.

“For some people the restrictions literally changed their daily living.”

Deputy Smith said he noticed a positive change in people’s attitudes since the arrival of the vaccine.

“From the minute people got their first vaccine, there was a new outlook on life,” he stated,adding that they feel “liberated” after their second dose.

He welcomed the new atmosphere in the town since businesses have re-opened, with people out shopping and socialising “to a limited extent".

Deputy Smith looks forward to a summer of continued easing of restrictions and encouraged people to book a “holiday in the midlands”, boasting Cavan's “prime tourism and hospitality sector".

He reminded people to remain vigilant and be “conscious that the virus is still out there".

Deputy Smith concluded: “We need to keep following public health advice, we have to be sensible. The virus has not yet been suppressed and we must bear in mind that it is a deadly virus.”