All over the country, restaurants are being forced to close their doors, unable to function in the current economic climate. Fears are growing that closures within the industry could reach one per day, levels last seen during the recession in 2012.
With energy costs continuing to rise and Covid-era supports due to end early next year, what can be done to help the struggling sector?
In this episode of the Inside Business Podcast, chef and restaurateur JP McMahon tells Ciarán Hancock why he decided to close his Galway-based restaurant Tartare in August this year.
Citing staffing issues, rising energy prices and wage inflation, McMahon explains there’s a huge level of uncertainty within the industry. “The amount of pressure is unending,” he says.
We also hear from Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, who believes the government could be doing a lot more to help keep businesses afloat.
