Government urged to help literary industry or face bookstore closures

THE new government has been urged to help Ireland’s literary industry survive by removing barriers to sales in the business — or face the prospect of mass bookstore closures.

Speaking on World Book Day yesterday, the Irish Booksellers Association (IBA) said unless a genuine attempt is made by the Fine Gael-led administration, Waterstones will not be the last big name forced to close its doors.

As part of a “five point plan” for the sector, the IBA has called for stores to “simplify dealings with government,” remove red tape and address “crippling” legacy leases and “unrealistic” rent reviews.