SUPPORT LOCAL: Paul Sherry (President of the Killarney Chamber of Commerce) and Eileen O'Donoghue (Killarney Municipal District) pictured launching a high-profile 'Shop Local' campaign and a public survey. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

As Killarney town moves from the restrictions of the COVID-19 lockdown with Phase 2 of the Government’s easing of restrictions introduced this week, Killarney Chamber has launched not one – but two campaigns – to help businesses emerge from the crisis somewhat unscathed.

With the majority of businesses closed for up to two months, there’s no doubt that most have suffered an enormous impact – but that’s all set to change as the Chamber has launched a high profile ‘Shop Local’ campaign and is also appealing to the public to engage with an online survey ‘Let’s Talk About Town’ to find out what is needed for business recovery.

Last March, at the start of the lockdown, the Chamber erected a giant banner over Main Street with a very direct message to the people ‘Take care of yourselves and each other. #Love Killarney’.

Now, more than ever, ‘shop local, whenever possible’ is the key message from the Chamber, explained President Paul Sherry.

“During lockdown, we assured the people that we were with them every step of the way and that anything that could be done to assist them would be done,” he said.

“Our message now is that we are getting through this together and, with everybody’s support, there will be better days ahead in this wonderful town,” he added.

“The shops, restaurants, hotels, pubs and everybody in business in Killarney are creating jobs and ensuring families are looked after. Online shopping played a part during the COVID lockdown, but our appeal now is for people to think local and to shop local as we will all get through this together, side by side, working to make Killarney a better place to live in and to shop in.”

Inclusive voice

Meanwhile, he’s asking for people to share their views on how to better help Killarney town via the survey.

“The aim is to engage with local people living and working in Killarney about what's important to them, what they need from the business community and measures they would like to see implemented as we move towards creating a safe, progressive and inclusive Killarney. The survey will be open for two weeks; please spread the word as much as you can,” he said.

“Towns and businesses must rebuild and we want the changes in Killarney to reflect a collective and inclusive voice so that we do it mindfully and with strength. Therefore, we are encouraging as many of you as possible to please engage with us and complete the survey. We all need to rebuild together and this survey will serve as a starting point in changing the way we do business and how to better satisfy the needs of our customers, locals and visitors."

The survey can be found on www.surveymonkey.com/r/7NXCT99.