There are reports of a steady trade for businesses throughout Clare in the first days since the re-opening of shops since Monday
While an initial rush was feared as we entered phase two ‘plus’ of reopening Ireland, early signs are encouraging.
Even before Monday, Clare County Council had already taken measures to aid businesses in reopening – such as the pedestrianisation of Ennis town centre – to allow for social distancing.
Previously a controversial move, the pedestrianisation has seen more broad support this time around and so far, it seems that shoppers are responding
Patrick Bourke, owner of Bourke Menswear in Ennis and Tulla says – the pedestrianisation is working for the most part – but that the issue of parking still needs to be sorted.
Shopping is down in general across the country – but according to Eurostat, the strongest declines were for textiles, clothing and leather products, down by 73.6% in Ireland – in April this year.
Newly elected Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Paul Murphy, says from what he’s seen, business is still surviving, but he admits it’s crucial that cases of coronavirus remain low here.
Brian McLoughlin, Clare FM, first for local news.
