Hoteliers in the Burren area say they’re having to shelve Autumn bookings due to a lack of available staff.
It comes as fresh concerns are being raised that the phasing out of pandemic supports could result in permanent job losses in this county.
Members of the Burren Ecotourism Network say this summer was one of the busiest in recent years in North Clare and its surrounding areas.
However, while hospitality providers have been in high demand in the county, so are staff in the sector – and according to the hotels themselves, there aren’t enough of them in this area to go around.
People upskilling during the pandemic, remaining on the PUP and the housing crisis are all believed to among the reasons why the industry is struggling to find workers.
Sharon Malone, of the Falls Hotel and Spa in Ennistymon says they were forced to suspend online bookings this week in order to give their staff a break following an intense trading period.
A North Clare hotelier, meanwhile, is pleading with the government to ensure pandemic supports for business are extended in 2022, saying it is keeping people in the hospitality sector in work.
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme, available for businesses whose turnover has reduced by at least 30 percent since the onset of the pandemic, is due to end on the 31st of December.
Anthony Moloney of the Doolin Inn says the initiative is keeping the majority of his team in employment and wants it extended until the spring of next year.
