Staff shortages threaten Ireland's anticipated tourism boom

The fallout of the pandemic and the rental crisis have led to the 'perfect storm' for employers in the sector

Corkman Dermot O'Sullivan bought the Greenwich cafe around 18 months ago in an off-market deal from its previous owners Richard and Mairéad Jacobs. However, he has been in the service industry long-before opening Greenwich. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Hospitality operators have hotly anticipated a tourism boom this summer, but there’s a problem. Ireland’s largest indigenous industry may not have enough people to serve the number of holidaymakers expected in the coming months.

Dermot O’Sullivan runs the Greenwich cafe nestled at the back of the Brown Thomas on Cork’s Caroline Street. The brunch spot employs four staff but Mr O’Sullivan said he needs two more heading into the next few months.