[ad_1]
Hoteliers and innkeepers have expressed disappointment at the Government’s decision to place Dublin in Level Three of the restrictive measures, as cancellations have started to arrive.
Business owners said the reintroduction of restrictions in the capital as of midnight tonight, including a ban on eating indoors and travel restrictions for Dubliners, would be felt across the country.
Tonight also saw the government announce new support for Dublin businesses in the wake of the restrictions, but hotel, pub and restaurant owners said the measures fell short.
“The tourism and hospitality industry has become the economic front of the Covid crisis,” said Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, president of the Irish Hotel Federation (IHF).
“The measures announced tonight are far below what is required not only in Dublin but for the entire country. Before Covid, tourism supported 270,000 livelihoods, one in ten of all Irish jobs. Of these 100,000 jobs have already been lost and another 100,000 are at immediate risk. “
Staycations
Fitzgerald Kane said the restrictions in the capital would affect tourism across the country: “While the effects will be acutely felt in Dublin, they will also be detrimental to many tourism businesses across the country as Dublin residents currently represent between 30 and 50 percent. percent of the domestic market.
Already hotels and guesthouses across the country are reporting cancellations … due to this week’s trickle news of the possible closure.
“It is also very discouraging that only six hours notice was given, showing little understanding of how our businesses operate. There must be lessons from this. “
The government must stop unfairly targeting an entire industry that is already on its knees, treating the sector as a political scapegoat.
Drinks Ireland, meanwhile, said today’s announcement would be “the final blow to many companies already struggling to stay afloat.”
He criticized the cabinet’s decision to “essentially shut down Dublin’s hospitality sector” as “disproportionate” and listed 25 European countries where bars and cafes are currently open with restrictions.
“We see that these countries are managing hotspots with specific measures that do not mean the total shutdown of a vital sector and economic diver,” said Irish Beverage Director Patricia Callan.
“The hospitality industry should have been allowed to remain open in Dublin or, in the case of wet pubs, to reopen safely and sustainably.
“The government must stop unfairly targeting an entire industry that is already on its knees, treating the sector as a political scapegoat.”
The business supports announced by the Government tonight include the following:
- A 30 percent top-up at a cost of € 30 million for the Restart Grant Plus program to help companies meet reopening costs.
- Applications for existing coupon and loan programs to help businesses affected by Covid-19 will be prioritized from Dublin.
- A dedicated helpline will be established to help companies access relevant business supports.
- Other employment and income support, including the Pandemic Unemployment and Wage Subsidy Scheme, will continue to be available and funded by the Government.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD said: “As the Minister responsible for business and employment, I know how devastating today’s news is for Dublin entrepreneurs and their staff.
“Trust that we do not make this decision lightly. I know this is a second closure for some and a continuous closure for others.
“The public health councils are overwhelming. We must stop the virus in its tracks now to protect the most vulnerable and make sure our health service is not overwhelmed. ”
[ad_2]