Storm Emma delivered difficult week for local businesses
By Maurice Garvey
A DIFFICULT week was experienced by businesses in South Dublin County, after Storm Emma forced closures and huge losses in revenue.
For a large number of manufacturers, some could not simply close for a day due to the mechanics of their business model requiring a 24/7 presence.
Peter Byrne, Chief Executive of South Dublin Chamber
Whilst contractors and residents were out in an effort to make roads accessible, businesses across the county rolled up their sleeves to get back on track.
“We saw a lot of co-operation between businesses, to clear roads in business parks, everybody chipped in,” said Peter Byrne, Chief Executive, South Dublin Chamber.
“The priority for South Dublin County Council is main roads for hospitals and schools, before clearing estates, as it should be. The economic sector may not be at the peak priority, but Whitestown Business Park, where we are located, and Greenogue Business Park, were accessible on Monday morning. In Whitestown, we had a JCB driver who slept in the office and went out back again in the morning.”
With regard to lost days at work, Byrne urges employers to pay staff and see long-term benefits.
“I hope employers pay staff who couldn’t make it to work, and that staff reciprocate the gesture to help the business succeed.”
It is too early to assess the financial losses occurred by businesses over the last week, but Byrne concedes they have suffered an “immediate hit”, with hotels taking a battering due to “cancelled seminars and flights.”
He continued: “There hasn’t been enough credit for people walking in to work. One thing that stands out, is people are not moaning. There are complaints about what happened, but it has been frustrating for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Revenue Commissioners have urged businesses to engage with them early – understanding temporary cashflow difficulties can arise from exceptional events like severe weather, impacting timely payment of tax.
Speaking shortly after his appointment this week as Collector-General, Mr Joe Howley said: “When these cashflow related challenges arise for businesses, then early engagement with us is key to being able to minimise the stress and anxiety for those concerned.
“We are generally able to arrive at an accommodation that gets them successfully beyond the payment pressure point and able to focus on running their business.”
Revenue advise business owners facing cash flow disruption caused by the recent weather, to contact the Collector-General’s office on 1890 20 30 70.
TAGS Business
