1,000 new jobs created in 230 local shops since 2011

RGDATA director general Tara Buckley said Ireland's independent grocers have demonstrated "a very positive message about creating jobs during one of the toughest economic climates for retail"

RGDATA members call on the government to introduce policies that support local entrepreneurs in a presentation to the Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

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RGDATA the representative association for independent family grocers, today revealed that 1,000 new jobs have been created by 230 local family owned shops since 2011.

The figure comes from a survey of RGDATA members who operate independent shops, convenience stores and supermarket*.

RGDATA is campaigning to get government to introduce policies that support local Irish entrepreneurs including independent grocers in order to create and sustain jobs in local communities.

At a presentation to the Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation on 12 March, Tara Buckley, director general, RGDATA said: "This is a very positive message about independent grocers creating jobs during one of the toughest economic climates for retail. Independent shops do not roll down the shutters and shut up shop when times get tough. They roll up their sleeves and get on with creating and retaining jobs and adapting their businesses".

A delegation of independent retailers including Dundalk retailer, Colin Fee, Gary Morton of Morton’s in Ranelagh and second generation Mayo retailer Rob Murphy, highlighted the importance of local family owned shops to vibrant towns, local economies and the creation and retention of local jobs.

Independent retailer, Colin Fee urged the committee to take action to combat the rise in the illicit trade in fuel, tobacco and alcohol.

Family grocer, Rob Murphy called for National Guidance on Car Parking and Smart Travel to save town centres from desertion. 
Gary Morton of Morton’s in Ranelagh asked the committee to address overzealous clampers in Dublin and end the practice of ‘free parking’ in out of town shopping centres.

Buckley outlined the details of an RGDATA Report Nightmare on Every Street urging National Guidelines on Car Parking and specific measures that policymakers should address to assist independent shops to survive and thrive including: abolition of the Retail Grocery Joint Labour Committee; ringfencing the National Lottery Retail Agents’ margin, ensuring access to credit, reducing Commercial Rates and tackling the red tape burden.

RGDATA said the Independent Retail Grocery & Convenience Sector provides over 90,000 jobs and makes a total contribution of €3.6 billion to the Irish economy.

Last week, at a presentation to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, RGDATA urged government to lift the "veil of secrecy" regarding the profits made in Ireland by large global grocery retailers.

Director General Tara Buckley said: "Each of the large multiple retailers operating here go to inordinate lengths to conceal details of the turnover and profit generated by their activities in Ireland".

A delegation from RGDATA led by Co Cavan retailer John Foy and including independent retailers Joe Doyle of Donnybrook Fair and Richard Nolan of Nolan’s in Clontarf outlined independent retailers’ views on the proposed code of conduct for the grocery sector, food labeling, support for local producers and the impact of pricing policies on Irish farmers and suppliers.

RGDATA outlined how locally owned grocery shops provide 90,000 jobs and contribute €3.6 billion to the Irish economy and are the greatest supporters of Irish producers and suppliers.

"Money spent in Irish owned shops on Irish products is worth four times more to the local economy than that spent in the German of UK Multiples," Buckley told the Committee.

RGDATA President John Foy urged the Committee to address the misleading labeling that is confusing consumers about what products are genuinely Irish.

Independent retailer and food manufacturer Joe Doyle of Donnybrook Fair called for greater supports for indigenous Irish food producers.

Family grocer Richard Nolan urged that the red tape burden on independent shops be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Both RGDATA presentations are available at www.rgdata.ie.

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