Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sectors, and the many businesses therein, need help from the government to survive the coronavirus pandemic a Galway TD has said.
Galway East deputy Seán Canney is calling on the Finance Minister to approve a rescue package for businesses in the tourism, hospitality and leisure industries.
“Some businesses are facing an immediate threat to their existence because of the disruption caused by the virus,” Seán Canney warned.
The Independent TD said that while assurances given by the Central Bank and Revenue Commissioners for businesses that face difficulties are welcome, they are just a first step.
“We need measures within days to prevent a situation where thousands of jobs may be lost with all tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses – small, medium and large – facing into a crisis.”
Deputy Canney also said that Fáilte Ireland should receive a €15 million boost in funding, and Tourism Ireland’s marketing fund requires an additional €25 million to deal with this situation.
The United States has today extended to Ireland the travel ban it imposed on European countries in recent days in an effort to limit the spread of the virus.
The overall number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Ireland has now reached 129, and a second death has occurred.
