Statement by CEO of Limerick Chamber on Debenhams announcement
Thursday, 09 April 2020: The CEO of Limerick Chamber, Dee Ryan, has today expressed sadness and concern following the announcement that Debenhams is to put its Irish operations into liquidation.
Ms Ryan said that today is an extremely difficult day for the management and employees of Debenhams and their families, and she is fearful that this will not be the only retail casualty in Limerick as the full economic impact of the health crisis unfolds.“The closure of Debenhams, a significant and respected employer in Limerick, is a blow to their employees and management teams during an already stressful time.”
“I’m acutely aware of the challenges that faced our city centre retail and hospitality sector in an already difficult operating environment pre- COVID-19 restrictions. I fear some of our independent businesses who shuttered their bricks & mortar operations in recent weeks will not reopen”.
She added, “just like the coronavirus is more deadly in patients with underlying health conditions, the economic impact of the health crisis will hit business with underlying challenges first and worst and so I fear this is not the only closure announcement we will hear in coming months.”
Limerick Chamber is supporting the Local Authority in a project to support retailers across the city and county, take their offering online during this period of closure.
“Limerick Chamber Skillnet is offering free online courses on digital marketing for retailers and the Chamber can connect businesses with website designers and Emarketing consultants as well as business strategists who will help them use the Business Continuity Voucher announced by Limerick Local Enterprise Office this week, in efforts to get as many businesses trading online as possible” she said.
Looking to the future, now more than ever the City centre needs investment. “The Debenhams building is iconic in Limerick City and to see it succumb to the economic impact of COVID-19 is a very sad moment for all of us who love the city.”
“Fast-tracking of the O’Connell street development project is a priority right now. Key infrastructural commitments must be met and delivered at speed so that we can support businesses in the city centre and Limerick City, in turn can thrive and support the wider regional economy”.
Limerick Chamber reiterated its pre-election call for a Minister for City Regions. “Just as there is a Minister for Rural Affairs the Chamber strongly believes a Minister for City Regions is urgently needed to prioritise delivery of the critical infrastructural promises of the National Development Plan and to enable Cities outside of Dublin to grow and thrive in as economically and environmentally sustainable a manner as possible”.
ENDS
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