Call for support for local business – Cllr O’Reilly

Cavan’s success in receiving funding under the Outdoor Infrastructure Fund will be a great boost to the hospitality sector but Cllr Sarah O’Reilly (Aontú) says the public must also support the local businesses.

“This funding will help reimagine towns and villages so that they can prioritise outdoor living in the summer months,” Cllr O’Reilly told the Celt, “We want to facilitate local businesses and the public in making the most of our outdoor spaces so that recreational activities can be safe and enjoyed by all.”

Cavan County Council secured the highest allocation of funding in the country of the Outdoor Infrastructure Fund, (€840,240) with Kingscourt and Ballyjamesduff benefiting from the allocation by €77,000 and €53,600 respectively.

Cllr O’Reilly welcomed the return of businesses: “It’s great that we are beginning to see some limited reopening of our society and our economy which is obviously welcome – but so many of our businesses and local economies are still under lockdown restrictions or under serious financial pressure following, in my view, disproportionate, blanket measures from government.”

However the Aontú councillor said there are economic implications fro businesses: “It’s estimated that less than 40% of pubs and restaurants will open with just outdoors. As things stand many restaurants and pubs will be closed for June. The end of June will be the start of the Staycation season and half the tourist season may be over before some restaurants and pubs get a chance to make a sustainable recovery, this will hurt many who are already economically under pressure.”

She stressed the importance of supporting local: “Collectively we must try and boost our local economies and businesses, by choosing family-owned local shops over the likes of Amazon. When purchasing gifts remember, your gift means more when it’s supporting local jobs and the local economy. I would encourage people, where you can, do your best to shop, eat and drink locally and where you have the choice, buy Irish. Your local economy deserves support and now is the time to show what it really means to be all in this together.” Wishing all businesses a profitable and successful re-opening!” Cllr O’Reilly concluded.