Discover Killaloe business initiative

Businesses in Ballina and Killaloe are looking forward to Discover Killaloe Day, which is expected to take place next March or April.
Funded by Tourism Ireland and Waterways Association, the initiative will provide traders in Ballina and Killaloe with the ideal platform to showcase their vast array of services and recreational activities on the shores of Lough Derg.
Ballina Killaloe Business Association vice-chairman James Whelan confirmed local traders are working hard at trying to maximise the best possible benefit from Discover Killaloe Day.
“It is expected this event will be held in March or April. Every business will be doing its utmost to put their best foot forward on the day. It is vital that everything will be in tip-top shape to help the local business community kickstart the tourism season.
“The traders’ association have also been working very hard since last July, trying to secure funding from LEADER for various promotion initiatives for the area and for new training in areas such as social media networking.
“We had a successful meeting with staff from Clare Local Development Company and have prepared an application for funding. BKBA have not yet been granted any funding from Leader.
“The association is planning to roll out social media training for members next February. Members of the association are included in the visitors’ map, website and can participate in the Local and Loyal voucher scheme,” he said.
He revealed the new visitors’ map will be going to print soon when 30,000 copies will be printed and distributed in the Shannon Region. The map will include the main streets in Killaloe and Ballina, every member of the local traders’ association and key attractions in the Lough Derg Region.
There are almost 70 members in the traders’ association, which is currently finishing its membership drive for 2012. Anyone who has not returned their application form can leave it with Sharon O’Donovan, O’Donovan Insurance, Killaloe. Applications can also be submitted online at www.discoverkilaloe.ie. 
Locals are urged to participate in the Shop Local and Loyalty scheme this Christmas. Vouchers are available at O’Donovan’s Mace, McKeogh’s Foodmarket, Green Cross Pharmacy and Whelan’s Foodstore. The voucher can be used in over 70 businesses.
Meanwhile, it is expected the new toilet block at the Pier Head, which is being constructed by Waterways Ireland, should be operational by mid-January.