Businesses in Clare are urging the Government not to delay a decision on re-opening indoor hospitality.
Restrictions are due to ease on July 5th, but a decision won’t be made until the end of next week, as fears mount over the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19.
There’s mounting speculation within the hospitality sector that the easing of restrictions will be put on hold, with some suggesting it could be as late as July 26th before indoor dining resumes.
The Government is set to issue its decision next week on whether the easing of restrictions will go ahead, once NPHET has issued its advice on the increasing spread of the Delta variant.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar have both said no definite decision on the matter has yet been taken.
But one business owner in South East Clare thinks that forcing employers to wait that long for clarity is unfair.
Anne Casey, of Casey’s Bar in Sixmilebridge insists that businesses should be informed this weekend.
Shannon’s Irish Hotel Federation branch Chair fears Clare’s staycation market will suffer if indoor hospitality does not reopen as planned on July 5th.
Dermot Kelly, who’s the co-owner of the Shannon Springs Hotel, says pubs and restaurants not being able to serve indoors could turn people away from chosing to come here for a break.
A north Clare Hotelier insists that delaying re-opening could have wider consequences for the sector into the future.
Michael Vaughan from Vaughan’s Lodge Hotel in Lahinch has warned a sense of apathy is gaining ground within the sector, with businesses losing confidence in their ability to continue trading.
He says added to that is the dwindling confidence for overseas travel.
