Several Killarney-based businesses will benefit from new funding that will allow them increase their online presence.

New funding has been announced for Kerry retail businesses to expand their online offering and presence to customers at home and abroad, Deputy Government Chief Whip, Brendan Griffin TD, has said.

Deputy Griffin was speaking after Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English announced more than 200 retailers who have been approved for funding under the Online Retail Scheme (ORS) administered by Enterprise Ireland.

This latest development will see 216 retailers across all counties approved for funding of €9.29 million. The scheme is for retailers who already have an online presence and who have a physical store and is targeted at enhancing their online capability.

“Many Irish companies have successfully made the digital transition in recent years and developed their online capability to sell their goods and services online.

“Consumer habits have also changed in recent years and it was great for them to know that that when they went online, they had local options instead of just the large international retailers, particularly when the pandemic occurred,” Deputy Griffin said.

“Recipients from this latest call are based across all counties in Ireland and are from a number of sectors, including hardware, pharmacy, clothing and furniture. 72% of successful applicant companies are based outside of Dublin.

“14 Kerry businesses have been successful in this round of the Online Retail Scheme. They will receive grants ranging from €10,000 to a maximum of €64,000. Recipients from this latest call are based across all counties in Ireland and are from a number of sectors, including hardware, pharmacy, clothing and furniture.”

Local companies to get funding include the Aran Sweater Company, Kilkenny Group, Corcoran’s Furniture and Carpets, Horan’s Health Stores. Tim Jones Butchers and Walsh Brothers Shoes.

“Nationally, since 2018 more than 700 projects from retailers based in Ireland have been approved for €28.3m in funding through the Government’s Online Retail Scheme.

“We have seen how businesses benefited from this scheme throughout the pandemic, this funding will continue that revitalisation,” Deputy Griffin added.