Further setback for hard-pressed publicans as computer glitch leaves them without support payments

A software glitch has resulted in a delay in much-needed payments to publicans in Mayo and other counties which have been closed for business for up to six months.

The government made a €16 million package available to the sector in recognition of the economic impact of Covid-19 to their business and assist them in planning and adapting to their reopening.

The government payments to Mayo public house proprietors is being administered through Mayo County Council.

But the latest round of funding cannot be processed due to the fact new software has not yet been rolled out to local authorities by the Local Government Management Agency, Senator Paddy Burke has highlighted.

The Castlebar-based Fine Gael representative said he has been inundated with complaints in recent days about the matter and it's not acceptable to leave category 5 businesses further out on the limb when not being allowed to reopen their doors.

“In fairness to Mayo County Council, it has done its best to resolve the issue.

"But the problem clearly rests with the Local Government Management Agency which has not put the necessary software in place to release the payments.

“It's a further setback for a sector that has already suffered a great deal as a result of the pandemic.

"I am calling on the agency to deal with the issue as a matter of urgency," he added.