It’s claimed an “extreme rise in the cost of business” is severely hindering Clare’s artisan trade.
It comes as another business has now taken the decision to close its doors in Ennistymon in the coming months.
Airmid Natural Irish Skincare has been a proud fixture of the town’s main street since 2021, however its presence in Ennistymon will be coming to an end after September.
The family firm says it’s a decision they’ve been grappling with since March of last year, but that ultimately due to reduced tourist footfall, soaring operating costs and reduced visitor spend, the physical shop is simply no longer viable.
The company will now be reverting back to an online-only model and will follow a number of other artisan traders to have shut up shop in the market town this year.
Airmid Co-Owner Kevin Lynch says the 23% VAT rate facing producers is crippling,
The newest addition to Ennistymon’s business community, meanwhile, says he’ll be taking his new venture one day a time.
Owner of Braw Crafts, Blair MacNeill is hopeful of thriving in the long run.
Listen to the full interview here
