Retail Ireland reaction to new Covid retail restrictions

Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the retail sector, today said the move to introduce new retail restrictions was a major disappointment and a significant blow to the many retailers that would now have to close. The group said that focus must now be on getting case numbers down so we can unwind these measures in a safe and sustainable manner. The health and wellbeing of customers and staff remains the absolute priority.

Retail Ireland Director Arnold Dillon said: “While retail has demonstrated it is a safe setting for customers and staff, there is now clearly an aim to dramatically reduce all movement across society. This is obviously very disappointing to the many thousands of businesses that had been planning to stay open and trading into the New Year. Now that the decision is made, it is vital that these measures work, and we are soon in a position to reopen again. The rapid rollout of the vaccine is now essential to avoid prolonged disruption and restrictions over the coming months.”