Clare has been identified as one of the counties most exposed to the economic impact of COVID-19.
Over half of businesses here are trading in the sectors likely to suffer most because of the virus, as Clare FM’s Michael Glynn reports.
This report, published by Ireland’s Regional Assemblies and written by Cooraclare economist John Daly, finds 2,500 businesses here are trading in sectors likely to be worst affected by COVID-19.
Those include retailers who are not identified as providing essential services, accommodation and food services, childcare facilities, hairdressers and beauty parlours.
This amounts to 50.4% of all businesses in Clare, the fifth highest rate of any county in Ireland.
Tourism-dependent counties, and border areas, are generally predicted to be among the worst hit.
The report also looks at specific towns, but not any of Clare’s tourism hotspots which would likely suffer most.
51% of businesses in Newmarket on Fergus are among the most exposed, along with 47% in Ennis, 44% in Kilrush and 43% in Sixmilebridge.
Outside of Dublin, Shannon is pegged to be the least exposed town in Ireland, but even there nearly a third of businesses are among those most at risk.
