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A new ‘Kerry Open for Business Directory’ featuring over 400 Kerry businesses which have reopened as part of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions has been published by Kerry County Council as an interactive map online.

Kerry businesses have been registering their details with the new online directory for over three weeks to provide information about their on-premises and online arrangements for customers as businesses begin to reopen under the ‘Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business’.

The interactive map for smartphones and computers allows customers to check what outlets have opened or are reopening in their area by clicking on their chosen location. There, they will find information about businesses near them which are now operating again and how their local businesses have adapted to the changed operating environment through online ordering, deliveries or other initiatives.

The directory is now available on the Council website www.kerrycoco.ie and is available for public download to computers or smartphones. Businesses can still register their details with the Council over the coming weeks.

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Niall Kelleher, welcomed the latest development.

“This is a great resource for customers to find out how and when their favourite local businesses will be opening. The #KerryOpenForBusiness campaign sends out a clear message – we are opening, and we are doing so safely,” he said.

With an accelerated reopening plan announced by the Government last week, Kerry County Council and town centre businesses across the county are continuing to focus on making streets and public spaces safe for people who want to visit retail outlets which had been closed in recent weeks.

Chairperson of the Kerry County Council’s Strategic Policy Committee on Economic Development, Cllr Michael O’Shea, who sits alongside Cllr Kelleher, business and chamber representatives, and senior Council staff on the Business Advisory Forum, which is spearheading this initiative, urged people to shop local and support local jobs.

“Many businesses continue to reopen across Kerry, and we urge everyone whether they do so online or in-store, to shop local. It is vital that we all support our local businesses in the weeks and months ahead. Every Euro spent locally supports local jobs and the wider local economy,” Cllr O’Shea said.

Local businesses can still sign up for the new directory and Kerry County Council’s Business Support Helpline on 1800 807 102 or business.support@kerrycoco.ie will be happy to help businesses in updating their details. The online registration form is available on the Council’s dedicated business website https://business.kerrycoco.ie.