Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe TD has urged people to shop local as we enter the latest lockdown, saying that it is the smallest businesses that will be hit hardest during Level 5 and that we can do our bit to make sure that we are not left with empty shopfronts at the end of lockdown.

Teachta Crowe said:

“Lockdown always hits the smallest businesses hardest. Without the safety net that big companies can enjoy, family run and small businesses that employ a relatively small number of people will be pushed to the wall. These are the businesses that we rely upon to keep our streets and town centres alive.

“I know that times are tough. Too many people have been forced out of work due to the unfortunately necessary but tough restrictions that have had to be imposed to protect public health but if we all chip in in even a small way, we can make a difference.

“We are lucky in one respect that it is so much easier for local business to open up online shops, be it through a website, Instagram, or Facebook. I would encourage everyone to have a look at what local businesses they can support from home during this difficult time.

“The last thing we all want is to emerge in six weeks to see empty store fronts as far as the eye can see. We can all contribute in our own way to save local businesses and keep protect local jobs.”