A GROUP of frustrated traders gathered in Killarney town centre this morning to highlight their concerns about the decision not to allow pubs or restaurants to open for indoor dining from Monday next, as had been the original intention.
The government pulled the plug on the plan following advice from senior public health officials who are extremely concerned about the threat posed by the Covid-19 Delta variant.
The gathering, which attracted dozens of people at the entrance to the town hall, including Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Marie Moloney and other public representatives, was extensively promoted by the owners of Murphy Browne’s Restaurant on High Street who had invited other businesses to join the the show of solidarity.
“We spent hours yesterday cancelling bookings and letting people down on their pre-planned holiday. There is simply not a level playing field anymore,” the restaurant owners said on social media.
Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce said it fully endorses the call for all businesses in the town to pull together and show support for those that have been left behind following the implementation of the latest public health policies.
Chamber said it acknowledges that public health advice must be heeded and it is important that everybody conforms to the safety guidelines and regulations that have been introduced.
“That said, we full appreciate and understand the enormous sense of disappointment experienced by those involved in the hospitality industry following the decision to defer the planned reopening of restaurants and public houses for indoor dining,” the business representative body stressed.
“It is having a devastating impact on their businesses, on their staff and on their families and the consequences for the economy and for those seeking meaningful employment opportunities are of great concern,” a statement added.
Chamber said it pledges continued support to its friends in business and everybody is looking look forward to the day, hopefully in the very near future, when every business gets to reopen in healthy and vibrant circumstances.
“In the meantime, we would urge the government to provide clarity on plans for the provision of vital financial supports for business owners and employees into 2022 to help them to cope with what has been and still is a very difficult and trying time,” the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce stated.
