'Highly distressed' small firms to struggle as Covid-19 restrictions end   

A deserted St Patrick Street in Cork at the start of the Covid-19 crisis in March 2020. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Most small firms will get through the financial stress from the Covid-19 crisis but many will continue to struggle, while a fifth of SMEs will face acute stress, according to an analysis. 

The study by the Economic and Social Research Institute and Department of Finance officials comes as business groups and politicians focus on the fallout for small firms, as most health restrictions affecting businesses were lifted this weekend.