A new campaign is being launched in Kerry this week to encourage people to shop and spend locally. The campaign, which is being spearheaded by Kerry County Council and its local partners and stakeholders, will use local media and social media platforms to promote a ‘Shop in Kerry/An Siopa Áitiúil’ message. The aim is to encourage consumers in the county to support the local economic recovery by spending locally while observing all of the public health advice and restrictions.

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen said that during a time of crisis, the people of Kerry have always pulled together and supported each other. He is urging people to show their support for local shops and businesses at this time by spending locally, thereby helping the Kerry economy through the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The entire local economy has been severely impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Shops and businesses across Kerry have, however, shown great resilience by adapting and making it easier in so many ways for customers to avail of their services and buy their products. Delivery services and click-and-collect have become the norm for many retailers," he said.

"Now it’s our turn as customers and consumers to show our solidarity with those businesses and show our appreciation for how they have adapted and changed in the current challenging environment to continue to supply goods and services. Everyone has a part to play by shopping locally and spending locally."

Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell added that "spending locally in our shops and businesses across Kerry means supporting local jobs and maintaining employment in the local economy".

Every euro counts when it comes to assisting the economic recovery in our county, she explained.

"Keeping our towns and villages viable and vibrant is a central objective of the shop local message. The COVID-19 restrictions have raised people’s awareness of local businesses and the vital service provided by local shops. We are asking everyone in Kerry, when it comes to their shopping to think local and shop local."

The new campaign emphasises that when shopping locally, everyone should stay safe and adhere strictly to the Government and public health guidelines on hand hygiene, cough etiquette, social distancing and the wearing of masks.

Kerry County Council continues to support shops and businesses in Kerry in a number of other ways including the administration of the Business Restart Grant, a business support helpline, an online directory of shops and businesses which have reopened and a series of online webinars and training events.

View the new promotional video at the following link: www.kerrycoco.ie/stay-safe-shop-local/.