Safety first as shops keep service open

AS local shops and supermarkets continue to provide a service to customers, Dingle Business Chamber is calling on people in West Kerry to support local businesses during this time of crisis.

Although many shops that serve the tourist market have closed temporarily, shops that are geared more towards locals trade have remained open and have put in place social distancing and other measures to keep their staff and customers safe.

At the Dingle Corner Shop on Main Street the door has been closed since Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s announcement on Tuesday of additional restrictions on non-essential services but proprietor Mary O’Sullivan is conscious that stationery, arts supplies and toys are important to families who need activities to keep adults and children occupied.

Customers can’t go into the shop but Mary will answer a knock on the door as she continues to keep the shop functioning during the crisis. Opening hours are from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday and Mary can also be contacted on 087 7703258 or email larionad@hotmail.com.

Meanwhile, An Café Liteartha in Dykegate Lane and The Dingle Bookshop on Green Street are currently supplying books by post, which will be a welcome service to the housebound with time on their hands. Contact An Café Liteartha on 066 9152204 or email comdhineoil@fiachdubh. com and The Dingle Bookshop on 086 3179201 or email books@dinglebookshop.com.

On the food side of things, the Fish Box restaurant is providing a takeaway only service. To avail of this take away service contact the Fish Box at 0876027866

Sheehy’s Fish are also provide a phone in takeaway and collection service from 12-9pm. Contact them on 066 9151545.

Restaurant Galf Cumann Ceann Sibéal has a takeaway menu available from 5pm - 9pm. Call 066 9156255.

As well as the town’s four supermarkets, Ó Catháin’s fish shop in the Wood, O’Connor’s Fruit and Veg in Orchard Lane and Kingdom Fresh in The Tracks are open for business. O’Connor’s (066 9152623) have opened an online shop where people can order vegetables which will be delivered to their homes, and Kingdom Fresh are taking phone orders on 087 6146798.

O’Flaherty’s and Moran’s petrol stations and shops are operating as normal, with social distancing and hand sanitisers in place in both premises.

And if fashion is on anybody’s mind, La Boheme boutique is offering a postal service. Look up their website for details.

Photo by Declan Malone The door is closed on the Dingle Corner Shop on Main Street but proprietor Mary O’Sullivan is on the premises to provide stationery and other materials to phone-in customers.