Every Hospitality Business Crying Out For Staff Says Clare Tourism Advisory Forum Chair

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The Chair of the the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum says virtually every hospitality business in the country is crying out for staff.

Sean Lally has defended the local industry in the wake of criticism of the Banner’s offering for tourists visiting the county.

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“Lovely beaches, well done Clare County Council keeping the place clean, but food was generally terrible”.

Just one opinion on Clare highlighted in an Irish Times report, which examined the experiences of Irish people who visited seven areas across the country.

The review of Clare also criticised smoking in the outdoor dining section and inexperienced staff at the county’s eateries.

But the Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory has defended businesses in this county, describing this summer as the most difficult period ever in the hospitality sector.

Sean Lally says the hospitality sector has lost more staff than any other industry, with some businesses having to reduce their offering on account of this.

The Woodstock Hotel owner thinks the situation needs to be looked at with fresh eyes.

Vaughan’s Anchor Inn in Liscannor is one busines that did receive a positive review.

Denis Vaughan Jnr says they had to reduce their offering when they re-opened earlier this year and have been building since.

But he says they’re among those struggling to get staff and have leaned on family members to fill the void.

The hospitality sector has traditionally replied on students to fill seasonal position, but one student from Miltown Malbay has rejected any suggestion that students are chosing the Pandemic Unemployment Payment over work.

Fionn Sexton-Connolly, who’s the Cathaoirleach of Clare Ógra Fianna Fáil, lost his seasonal job in Lahinch because of failed openings but has since secured full-time work.

He believes there needs to be an analysis of the working conditions young people are being faced with across the county.