Funding for Mayo retailers to grow online capability

MAYO retail businesses are being urged to apply for a new round of funding to expand their online offering and presence to customers at home and abroad.

Five businesses in the county are among 216 retailers who have been approved for funding of €9.29 million under the Online Retail Scheme (ORS) administered by Enterprise Ireland, Deputy Alan Dillon has confirmed.

The scheme is for retailers who already have an online presence and a physical store and is targeted at enhancing their online capability.

Speaking today, Deputy Dillon said: “Many Irish companies have successfully made the digital transition in recent years and developed their online capability to sell their goods and services online.

“Consumer habits have also changed in recent years and it was great for them to know that when they went online, they had local options instead of just the large international retailers, particularly when the pandemic occurred.

“Recipients from this latest call are based across all counties in Ireland and are from a number of sectors, including hardware, pharmacy, clothing and furniture.

“Five Mayo businesses have been successful in this round of the Online Retail Scheme. They will receive grants ranging from €10,000 to a maximum of €64,000.”

The Mayo recipients are:

Ballina Motor Factors

Castle Davitt Furniture

Cordar Pharmacy Limited - Molloy Pharmacy

Horkans Garden Centre

Keans Claremorris

Added Deputy Dillon: “Nationally, since 2018 more than 700 projects from retailers based in Ireland have been approved for €28.3m in funding through the government's Online Retail Scheme.

“We have seen how businesses benefited from this scheme throughout the pandemic, and this funding will continue that revitalisation.”