An Ennis-based retail lobby group is urging the Government to use the Apple windfall tax to support the retail and hospitality sectors.
Retail Excellence Ireland says it would be the difference between survival and liquidation for both sectors.
It’s made the appeal as it announced its membership with a new umbrella group, SME Alliance.
CEO of Retail Excellence and owner of Willow in Ennis, Jean McCabe said the sectors urgently need help with rising costs.
“After receiving a huge windfall from Apple, the Government now has the means to provide the kind of support that could be the difference between survival and liquidation for many businesses around the country.
“The retail industry has been decimated by several rising costs including the minimum wage, statutory sick pay, insurance premiums and general inflation, and are dealing with ever-increasing instances of crime and anti-social behaviour. Every week we are seeing shops go out of business and people losing their jobs.
“We are not in a recessionary environment, so the onus is on the Government to give the industry the support it needs to navigate this particularly difficult time,” Ms McCabe said.
