Statement from Kilkenny Chamber:
It is desperately sad and frustrating that we find ourselves shuttering our country again in the face of the rising wave of COVID cases. This news of further restrictions will be devastating for many people. however we must look forward. Drawing on our experiences of the last lockdown, we now know better what needs to be done.
The Government now needs to rapidly deliver supports for businesses impacted by the new restrictions. Under the plan, non-essential services will close and the shutdown time must be used to ensure infrastructure is in place to help local economies to reopen.
In line with Government and HSE guidelines, the Kilkenny Chamber office will be closed, but we continue to provide our full range of services working from home. Just phone us on 056 7752767 for Certificates of Origin, Gift Vouchers and more and we are there for you.
The COVID Restrictions Support Scheme must be made available right away. Wage supports for employers and the self employed will need to be increased if businesses are to be able to survive through the restriction period. Extensions to CRO and Revenue filing deadlines should also be considered. A credible exit strategy is also needed to avoid success waves of opening and closing the economy.
CEO John Hurley President Colin Ahern