Derry Chamber boss Paul Clancy welcomes Executive decision to 'mirror' Dublin on shop reopening

He was speaking after the Economy Minister Diane Dodds announced on Monday that all non-essential goods retailers can reopen at the end of this week.

“This is very welcome news for our regional economy and local businesses. High street retailers have been one of the most severely hit by the lockdown and it is excellent news that the Executive has agreed to mirror the Republic of Ireland’s accelerated reopening plan which was announced over the weekend.

"By not aligning our reopening timelines north and south, we seriously risked shops and businesses in Derry and the North West being unfairly disadvantaged over their counterparts in Donegal and beyond, and many local retailers will be relieved by today’s announcement," said Mr. Clancy.

The Derry business lobbyist said the Executive should also align with Dublin on the reopening of pubs, hotels and restaurants.

On Friday An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced that the hospitality sector - including pubs which served food - would be allowed to reopen on June 29.

Mr. Clancy said: “The next step to rebuilding our regional economies will be providing more clarity and hope to our tourism and hospitality sectors.

"Local pubs, restaurants and hotels, especially those in border areas like the North West, will lose out on customers and to businesses in the south if their dates to reopen are not similarly brought forward.

"While today brings some good news for our local shops and small retailers, we are still urging the Executive to support our hospitality and tourism sector by mirroring the Republic of Ireland and letting them get back to business sooner.”