Message from Longford Chamber of Commerce & Industry

As the festive atmosphere in Longford town builds it's importance to local business cannot be overstated. Longford Chamber of Commerce & Industry President, Fiona Fenelon, emphasised the importance of supporting our own in this crucial period for Longford businesses.

“With Christmas just around the corner, we reflect on the past year. 2022 has been turbulent to say the least. We began the year still under the cloud of Covid restrictions which carried through quarter one. Forward planning is so important in business, and this was impossible given the uncertainty driven by the global pandemic. Just as we started to emerge from Covid the war in Ukraine erupted. It is hard to imagine how a war over 3000km away could have such an impact on the business community, from supply chain issues to energy costs a lot of businesses are challenged. Again, the uncertainty of the situation is extremely difficult. Government supports have been and still are crucial for all businesses.

“Despite the challenges our local business community have shown great resilience and sustainability. We have seen several new businesses emerging and many businesses have upgraded and renovated over the past year which is very encouraging. We are lucky to have such an array of great retail, hospitality, and service businesses on our doorstep. Being out and about in recent weeks speaking to business owners it is encouraging to hear stories of people travelling to Longford from other counties to shop. Local businesses are shipping online purchases to every corner of Ireland and even further afield, online shopping is an area which grew during the pandemic and is a great opportunity to expand and drive incremental sales.

“There has been some very positive news from several locally based businesses throughout 2022. Centre Parcs revealed plans for a €85M expansion which is testament to their success so far, once planning is granted this will drive additional direct and indirect local employment. Earlier in the year Framespace announced plans to expand their facility creating an additional 150 local jobs over the next two years. Abbott Diagnostics who currently employ up to 1000 people have lodged a planning application to expand their facility. Last week Technimark announced plans for a €26M expansion which will deliver 80 news jobs. This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Longford demonstrating that Longford is great place to do business. These investments have a positive overarching benefit to all local business in our town and county.

“It is positive to see the investment in the local infrastructure in Longford Town, it will have a positive impact on the community once complete, although it has been and continues to be very disruptive to the local business community in the affected areas, especially at this time of the year. We look forward to the completion of all works so that these businesses can get back to normal trading as soon as possible.

“Longford Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Longford Local Enterprise office launched our 2022 shop local campaign a weeks ago. Shop Longford is bigger and better this year, the response from local businesses and consumers has been great. Shop Longford is an excellent vehicle to showcase the great array of local businesses available throughout our town and county. Longford has a lot to offer for all. I appeal to everyone to try where possible to support your local businesses. Every €10 spent represents a €50 benefit to the local community. These businesses are at the heart of the community playing a vital role supporting local jobs and charities, we need them to survive and flourish for the greater good of Longford.

“Longford County Council are supporting local shopping through free off-street parking every weekend from December 17^th to December 31st ^.

“As we approach the end of 2022, we look forward with optimism to the new year ahead. We at Longford Chamber of Commerce continue to promote Longford as a great place to do business, representing our members locally and nationally.

“On behalf of our members and the Chamber council I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.”

Fiona Fenelon (President) Longford Chamber of Commerce & Industry