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€40k grant funding available to businesses

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From today (Tuesday) Kerry businesses can apply for funding to upgrade their websites and improve their digital competitiveness. Under a new €5m Online Retail Scheme retailers with a physical store and a pre-existing online presence can apply for grant funding of up to €40,000 to achieve business continuity, and to lay foundations for future recovery and growth.

The grant can be used to pay for fees for service providers to develop and implement a digital strategy supported by in-house training and to enhance the retailer’s website and related systems.

“In Kerry, we are lucky to have some of the world’s best local producers and entrepreneurs and I want to encourage retailers in Kerry who are in need of a digital uplift to avail of this funding," Minister Foley, welcoming the announcement, said.

"This scheme will provide vital supports to shops and business owners who are keen to establish a digital foothold and a competitive online presence as we recover from the economic constraints of COVID-19.”

The Scheme will be administered by Enterprise Ireland and is targeted at Irish-based retailers with a physical store and a pre-existing online presence. The grant can be used to fund fees for service providers to develop and implement a digital strategy supported by in-house training, and to enhance the retailer’s website and related systems. Successful applicants will receive a grant ranging from €10,000 to a maximum of €40,000 - covering up to 80% of project costs, Deputy Brendan Griffin TD explained.

“The Online Retail Scheme has really assisted businesses right around the country," he said. "Enterprise Ireland have confirmed more than two thirds of grants going to companies outside Dublin. Irish retailers are keenly aware of the opportunities that exist in the online space with many specifically targeting the Eurozone post-Brexit and taking advantage of the potential that lies in a global customer base.

“Kerry businesses that had 10 or more employees on or before February 29, 2020 (or have grown to this level since then) should apply for the fund. Enterprise Ireland has published a number of helpful resources online and have a dedicated retail team who can answer any other questions you have around the application process.”

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday, May 25. For further information on how to apply visit www.enterprise-ireland.com.

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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