Responding to today’s NI Executive announcement of additional COVID-19 restrictions, President of Newry Chamber, Emma Mullen-Marmion, has called for a broad range of support measures for businesses.
Stressing the urgent need for further measures, President of Newry Chamber, Emma Mullen-Marmion said:
“As a business community, we understand the need to protect public health, but it is important that we support our businesses so that we have a viable economy once we get to the end of the pandemic.”
“It is important that when the NI Executive meets tomorrow to agree a package of support measures, they not only consider those sectors legally obliged to close, but also the associated supply chains and businesses which will close because people are being encouraged to only make essential journeys.”
“We are already seeing a decline in footfall in the retail sector and the closure of the hospitality sector will impact further on town and city centre footfall.”
“The run up to Christmas is an important sales period for our businesses. Newry is facing a double whammy with the Irish Government’s travel restrictions already impacting on our retail and hospitality sectors.”
“The Chamber has worked closely with the local Council to promote the importance of personal responsibility and following the public health guidelines.”
“Our businesses have invested heavily in PPE and providing a safe environment for their customers. Many are struggling. We are concerned that without a strong package of support measures, businesses which are forced to close, may not reopen.”