More jobs losses expected in Kildare as GRA highlight confusion over lockdown measures

The Government announced an extension of Kildare's restrictions yesterday, but they have been lifted in counties Offaly and Laois. File picture: PA

Sat, 22 Aug, 2020 - 10:13

digital desk

Another 1,000 jobs will be lost in Kildare over the next two weeks after Covid-19 restrictions were extended, according to the county's Chamber of Commerce.

County Kildare Chamber has said that is on top of the 1,200 people who have been laid off over the past fortnight.

The Government announced an extension of Kildare's restrictions yesterday, but they have been lifted in counties Offaly and Laois.

Kildare Chamber chief executive Allan Shine said the county's economy is on its knees.

Mr Shine said: "We estimate there is the potential for another 1,000 jobs lost in the next few weeks, it'll have a devastating impact on the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors in Kildare.

"Basically, what we have is 200,000 people of a population, that's what we have to market ourselves to over the next few weeks in Kildare during this lockdown. It's very bad news for the county."

The Garda Representative Association claims people in Kildare are not being given enough information on the lockdown.

Gardaí will continue checkpoints in the county this weekend after the restrictions were extended for another two weeks.

Last weekend, 164 vehicles in Kildare, Laois and Offaly were stopped to see if they were obeying the guidelines.

GRA general secretary Pat Ennis said the public needs better communication on the measures.

He said: "The vast majority of the public are following the health recommendations and are cooperative with our membership, the main problem from our membership's perspective has been the weaponising of Covid-19 against them by spitting at them and coughing at them.

"The big frustration for the public, and for our members also, is the distinction between guidelines which are not enforceable and regulations which are enforceable.

"They are being badly communicated to the public and also to our members."