Communities in Clare are being encouraged to shop local during the Coronavirus outbreak.
While the virus poses a significant public health threat, there are concerns about its economic impact also.
Talks are due to get underway next week between Ennis Chamber and Clare County Council regarding the response the local authority can provide to aid local businesses.
The business group is also taking part in discussions with national authorities on other possible supports for firms.
While a number of events, most notably St Patrick’s Day parades, have been cancelled businesses are keen to stress that they remain open, and that they’re taking steps to ensure everyone’s safe.
Manager of the Templegate Hotel, Paul Madden
The virus poses challenges to a range of businesses and different industries, with a
Marketing Manager of Treacy’s West County Alphie Rodgers says every event is being judged on a case to case basis.
A number of sectors will undoubtedly suffer more than others, and with tourism numbers expected to take a hit, the CEO of Ennis Chamber is urging people to visit Clare’s attractions, once the dust settles.
Margaret O’Brien says businesses are pleased with the Government supports being put in place but she insists it’s vital that everyone plays their part in protecting jobs.
Meanwhile, an increasing number of planned public events are being cancelled in Clare and further afield, in an effort to prevent any unnecessary spread of infection.
This Saturday’s planned Club Clare fundraiser has been postponed; as has the teenage disco scheduled for the Queens in Ennis on Friday.
This is along with the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day fundraiser and St Patrick’s Day celebrations around the county, while the Clare Association Muintir an Chláir awards dinner at the end of the month has also been postponed.
The University of Limerick, meanwhile, says while they remain open, preparations are being put in place to switch to an online mode of learning and assessment in the event that the campus has to be partially or fully closed.
Chairperson of Club Clare John Kerin says there’s an increased sense of worry on the ground.
