Irish businesses cry out for a shot in the arm as the lockdown rumbles on

Retail groups want a full reopening of shops by the start of May and urgent action to reignite hope among shop owners and workers.

Retailers, builders, hoteliers, publicans, and restaurateurs are calling for much more clarity and support from the Government, with confirmation that the country is staying in lockdown — at least until early April — threatening meaningful economic recovery this year.

Outside of an extension to the pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) scheme and business supports, there was nothing outlined in the Government's revised Living With Covid-19 plan to soothe business fears.