The Irish Spa Association is calling for urgent rent support to prevent thousands of spa, salon and beauty businesses from closing their doors permanently.
Representatives met with Minister of State for business, Damien English at the start of last month to discuss the future of the sector.
However, in light of the extended Level 5 lockdown, the Irish Spa Association is calling for full commercial rent supports as some of these businesses are deferring rent payments upwards of €10,000 per month with staff on PUP or wage subsidy payments.
"It is with great urgency now that if businesses are being asked to remain shuttered past March that the government steps up to the mark and addresses the inadequate supports in place.
"The prospect of extending the closures means debts will continue to climb and the all-important summer trading period will be eroded," said Anita Murray of the Irish Spa Association .
"Additional supports are urgently required if businesses are to survive and the sector can reopen and restore the jobs and livelihoods of over 25,000 currently laid off," she added.
Peigin Crowley of The Irish Spa Association said they are also concerned about black market treatments.
"As the summer comes in, so will the demand for black market treatments.
"Black market treatments are a serious concern to us for three reasons, they can be dangerous, they could potentially spread Covid-19 and operators trade without insurance," she said.
