We all need to support local enterprise

I would like to express my sadness at the news that Fitzgerald Electrical on The Grand Parade in Cork City has closed its doors for the last time.

This is an extremely difficult time for the family who have a long and proud tradition of trading in their prominent position on Grand Parade.

The family run business was a much treasured part of Cork’s retail community. I have no doubt that there are many reasons for the decision to close not least the punishing economic climate Ireland’s retail sector is presently experiencing.

However, the continuing growth of online retail and large ‘out of town’ warehouse type style shopping has played a large part in the closure of many smaller local businesses.

Most of these large units are not owned by indigenous companies so we should all be considering where we make our purchases in these challenging times.

If you want local shops on your high street instead of big retailers then people must buy locally and support businesses in their area.

This will save local jobs and preserve the strong retail presence in Cork City centre.

An inviting retail atmosphere has positive knock on effects with regard to tourism and general footfall in restaurants and shops the area.

The City Council has invested and improved the appearance of the Grand Parade to make it an attractive area.

There are issues on the Grand Parade, some buildings have been left idle and the variety of shops is not diverse enough to encourage shoppers to visit there instead of the big shopping centres located on the outskirts.

Pop up shops and restaurants are a great way to give an empty space a new lease of life, these enterprises should be supported in their efforts to get off the ground.

I would urge the Council to work with property owners and traders on the Grand Parade to improve the appearance of the locality and regenerate unoccupied buildings.