Non-essential retail to close under six-week lockdown in Ireland

Non-essential retailers in the Republic of Ireland are faced with a second nationwide lockdown for six weeks. Non-essential stores will be forced to close in Ireland from Wednesday, as well as hairdressers and beauty salons.

The rules come as the government moves to Level 5 of its Coronavirus reaction strategy.

The Irish government had resisted a second lockdown in recent weeks, however due to a rising infection rate in the country, the government announced a new phase with the hope to celebrate Christmas “in a meaningful way”.

However, Prime Minister, Michael Martin added that a full lockdown is “simply not a realistic option”, as schools and childcare facilities remain open.

Ireland’s government said the restrictions will end on December 1. The Taoiseach added: “Even as the winter comes in, there is hope, and there is light. If we pull together over the next six weeks, we will have the chance to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way. We must persevere and we must be resilient.”

Trade body, Retail Ireland referred to the new lockdown as “a serious blow” to retail and added it was concerned that struggling retailers will not survive this latest shutdown.

Dublin’s trade group, Dublin Town and Retail Ireland also called on the government to rethink his strategy for exiting the current phase.

Trade group, Retail Excellence, also highlighted the crucial timing of the closures with the Christmas shopping season ahead and predicted the potential loss of 60,000 jobs.