Mayo economy will bounce back from Covid-19 setback – Chamber president
The president of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce has stated that shopping local will be the key to economic recovery once the Covid-19 crisis passes.
John Mulroy said all businesses are certain to be crying out for support when their doors eventually reopen.
In an inteview with The Connaught Telegraph, he stated: “It's crazy to see normally busy towns like Castlebar, Westport and Ballina so quiet on a Friday.
"Some businesess have remained open to try and do what they can to keep cash flowing in.
“But the majority of shops are closed. It's tough times on business people whose outlets are normally doing well.
"Hopefully, they will have plans for rebuilding their businesses when this setback finally ends.”
Mr. Mulroy said the government's Covid-19 emergency payments scheme has been a lifeline to retailers and their employees while the subsidy scheme has helped to keep businesses open than may have otherwise have closed.
“I think people are happy with what has been done for them, helping to ease financial pressures.
"While the payments are not going to cover every aspect of people's bills, it has eased the pain somewhat.”
Asked how long he think towns across Mayo can sustain the current lockdown situation, he stated: “It all depends on the level of working capital business people have. If they have money in their bank accounts, they will survive for a certain length of time.
“But, obviously, they will need their cash flow to return as quickly as possible.
“We hope the restrictions won't be dragged out for too much longer because some businesses will find it hard to reopen again if they continue indefinitely.
“When this is all over, the people of Mayo need to support their local business every way their can. That's crucial.
“I am so proud at the manner in which Irish people have got behind the national effort at this time in the interest of public health.
“When our difficuly passes we all need to shop local and holiday local. They will be the key factors to ensuring businesses in every town and village get back on their feet.”
Mr. Mulroy, the proprietor of a public house and restaurant at Main Street, Castlebar, said his expectation is that the Covid-19 crisis will continue for some time yet.
“I am closed for three weeks now and, realistically, I am expecting to be closed for another two months.
“As tough as that's going to be, I encourage people to remain as positive as they can and, once it's over, try to boost our local economies as much as they can.
“Our businesses contribute to much to their towns and communities and deserve to be supported when coronavirus problem is over.”
Check out the video of our interview with John Mulroy at the following link:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157322691443262&id=187794613261