Business
WATCH Team Rathkeale – Businesses Unite to Secure the Town’s Economy
Team Rathkeale business owners including Steering Committee members Derek Downes (front middle) and David Lamont pictured above (front right) showing off their new sign
WATCH Team Rathkeale – Businesses Unite to Secure the Town’s Economy
Over 50 Rathkeale business owners have come together to form Team Rathkeale, a working group set on boosting the town’s economy. It is letting shoppers know that their custom is always appreciated and is never taken for granted. It is also spreading Rathkeale’s good news and increasing footfall as well as asking the Limerick City and County Council for hands-on support.
“I called the town together because it is time to remind Limerick that Rathkeale has lots to offer, is safe, trustworthy, and a great place to shop, ” said Derek Downes owner of Rathkeale’s Eurospar. “It is especially important now when business is impacted by COVID precautions and downbeat publicity.”
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Team Rathkeale’s founding members include AIB Rathkeale, Anthony’s, Bank of Ireland Rathkeale, Beauty Bliss Beauty Clinic, Benjy’s, Billy Hourigan’s, Bloomers Restaurant, Bobby’s Hair Salon, Café C, Celtfab, Ciara’s, Community Charity Shop, Deel Bakery, Deel Motor Factors, Deel Veterinary Clinic, Downes Eurospar, Eric Mc Racing, Fahy Environmental, Five Roads Filling Station, Giltenane’s Pharmacy, Glow Sarah Jane, Hair By Alison, John Dinnage Menswear, Kathleen’s Bar, Kays Hair Salon, Kerry Agri Business Rathkeale, Lawlor Fuels, Lawlor’s Hackney, Layna’s Beauty Rooms, Liam Chawke Electrical, Mandarin Palace, Nicole’s Acrylic Nails, O’Gairbhi’s Newsagents, O’Sullivan’s Bar, O’Sullivan’s Iron Works, O’Sullivan’s Pharmacy, Patsy’s Fashions, Rathkeale Barbers, Rathkeale Credit Union, Rathkeale House Hotel, Sean Hennessy Electrical Superstores, Tadgh O’Connor’s, The Black Lion, The Reflection Rooms, The Washboard, Tyre Stop, Viviprint, and Whites Foodstore and Filling Station.
A Steering Committee was established with Triona Doody, Derek Downes (Chairperson), Paddy Fitzgerald, David Lamont, Ann Madigan, Sarah Jane Murphy, and Eina Roche. An action fund was also created. All the businesses can contribute, and donations are also being received from non-business champions.
It was agreed to proactively tell the media, neighbouring communities, and local politicians about Rathkeale’s good news and fantastic facilities. The good news quickly followed as Rathkeale welcomed the HSE COVID testing centre that helped visitors without the need for a doctor’s referral or pre-existing conditions. Rathkealers then helped Limerick’s vulnerable with food donations to ‘Food For Ireland’, an organisation addressing the unprecedented demand on charities and communities affected by the pandemic. On the 18th, Mayor Michael Collins opened the Rathkeale Welcome Centre with its Failte Ireland Tourist Point, along with 27 dignitaries in the community hall.
Councillors Stephen Keary, Emmett O’Brien, John O’Donoghue, Bridie Collins, Kevin Sheahan, Adam Teskey and Limerick City and County Council executives swiftly hosted a workshop with Team Rathkeale’s steering committee. Opinions were shared and an outline of short-, medium- and long-term actions was proposed by Team Rathkeale.
“We all share the desire to help Rathkeale residents and businesses, so the workshop was very helpful,” commented David Lamont, a member of the Team Rathkeale Steering Committee and Rathkeale Community Council. “We are looking forward to regular workshops, not just to help Rathkeale, but also to help all West Limerick towns that face similar problems.”
About Rathkeale
Rathkeale, home to 1,700 people, is the friendly, active, sports-mad, town on the N21 near Newcastle West. It will be soon at the elbow of the new Foynes to Limerick motorway, about 20 minutes from many of the 94,000 people in Limerick City. Its workforce is highly skilled with 34% engaged in professional managerial, technical, or non-manual work. 43% work in Commerce, Trade and Professional Services and 7% in Agriculture. Crime reports to the Rathkeale garda station have fallen dramatically and remain near a 10-year low. The average residential property value is around €139,000, making rural Rathkeale an affordable place to live.
For more info on Rathkeale go HERE
For more stories on Rathkeale go HERE
