Further lifting of Covid-19 restrictions sees non-essential retail reopen and hairdressers in demand.
Under phase 5 of the roadmap to ease restrictions to protect people from Covid-19, around 12,000 businesses reopened, with non-essential retailers offering click-and-collect services and in-store shopping by appointment.
At 9.00 am, the first group of eager shoppers are let into Arnotts departement store on Henry Street for the first time in over four months. Arnotts stores director Mark Limby explains that shoppers can book a 50-minute slot, but then they must leave. At Penneys on Henry Street, the appointment system is also in full swing.
Hairdressers, barbers and beauticians are also back in business. Salon director at Ultimate Hair and Beauty Tanya Murray is delighted,
We're fully booked out for the next two plus weeks.
Gwen Culligan, co-owner of County Boutique in Ennis, County Clare, is operating a click-and-collect service but has embraced online selling since the restrictions were introduced.
Our sales have increased 80% since the beginning of the first lockdown.
Wedding planners such as Kate Deegan welcome the return of in-person religious services with a limit of 50 attendees.
On Henry Street, 30% of ground-floor units are now vacant. Richard Guiney, chief executive officer of Dublin Town, acknowledges the impact of restrictions on businesses. Workers must return to their offices and places of work as soon as possible because,
They are the bedrock of city trade and without them we're in trouble.
Ongoing support will be needed to help businesses get back on their feet.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 10 May 2021. The reporter is Will Goodbody.
