The representative body for the retail sector has said the refusal of landlords to reduce rent costs is leading to significant job losses.
A survey by Retail Excellence Ireland of more than 1,418 stores around the country found that reductions of between 3%-4% were achieved over the past three years, but retail sales had decreased by 30%.
REI Chief Executive David Fitzsimons said the Government must act to address "Celtic Tiger era rent demands".
