Retail reacts to Budget 2022 announcement

Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the retail sector, today welcomed the extension of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme into next year in Budget 2022. The group said that while much of  the retail sector was bouncing back, it would be a long road to recovery for many businesses. In key retail districts footfall has yet to fully recover and businesses remain in survival mode. 

Retail Ireland Director Arnold Dillon said: “Labour shortages are now an acute challenge for many retailers. The high cost of housing and childcare is making Ireland a less attractive place to live and work. Increasing the allocation of money for quality housing and childcare is crucial, but so too is accelerating the delivery.

“Additional funds to support the development of vibrant town centres and address dereliction are vital to help create vibrant town and city centres into the future. In the immediate term, additional money for Gardai to tackle anti-social behaviour is welcome. The pandemic has seen many of our key urban centres being neglected. These areas need a refresh and a relaunch.”