Retail Ireland welcomes extension of business supports

Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the Irish retail sector, this evening welcomed the extension of business supports until the end of June, but said that the ongoing Level 5 restrictions will inevitably put vulnerable businesses at risk.

The director of Retail Ireland, Arnold Dillon, said: “It is vital that the full range of business supports are kept in place for as long as needed. Even when restrictions are eased, it will take a long time for many retailers to recover.

“Keeping as many people employed as possible and ensuring that debt levels are sustainable will be a key priority. Additional supports will also be needed to help vulnerable but viable retail businesses.

“Many retailers continue to face unreasonable demands from landlords for rent accrued during periods when they were closed. These issues need to be resolved through arbitration, not in the courts.”