News

No Night Clubs this year ?

Nightclub owners have warned that they may not be able to re-open until next year. nightclub0620

'Give Us The Nigh't, a group that represents nightlife businesses in Ireland, says that it will not be commercially viable for clubs to re-open until social distancing rules are totally abolished.

Speaking on Newstalk , DJ Dan Duffy, who himself is out of work because of the closure, says keeping a distance from other people in a nightclub just won't work:

“It’s not going to be able to work in nightclubs.

“It’s all well and good talking about it in theory, but once you actually get into the bones of it, it’s never going to work, unfortunately.

'Buy' rating for Dalata

Investment bank Jefferies has given Dalata Hotel Group's stock as a "buy" rating due to Dalata trading on the market at a 45% discount of the net value of its property. clayton

Jefferies stated that investors are not appreciating Dalata's strong balance sheet and UK growth prospects.

In a report on the European hotels markets , Jefferies said, "We like Dalata's structured business model and think the company is well-positioned to grow in the UK and take advantage of the gap in the three- to four-star hotel market.

"We believe Dalata is likely to gain market share from the independent hoteliers [weaker balance sheets] as trading becomes more challenging."

Fáilte Ireland 'Breaks' and Safety Charter

Fáilte Ireland is revealing its new national domestic marketing campaign to the tourism and hospitality industry today. FI breaks

‘Ireland, make a break for it’ will go live across media this weekend in what will be a major drive to encourage people to take domestic breaks this summer.

The National Tourism Development Authority is also launching a new COVID-19 Safety Charter initiative designed to boost public confidence in the safety of businesses as the tourism sector reopens from June 29th.

The details of both campaigns worth in the region of €4million will be revealed by Fáilte Ireland at a virtual industry event being held today for hundreds of tourism businesses from across the country.

As the country continues to progress along the Government’s Roadmap for reopening society and business, intention to take a break in Ireland among Irish consumers is growing, and Fáilte Ireland expects this to continue at a measured pace as restrictions are revised. According to Fáilte Ireland’s latest consumer sentiment research 57% of Irish people are now planning a short trip in Ireland in the next six months. However, safety is a significant concern for people, with visible safety measures and social distancing emerging as strong themes.

Air access returns on 9th July

The easing of air travel restrictions on 9th July will open the door for overseas visitors to travel to Ireland. visitors0919

Air travel restrictions will be eased on July 9, the Taoiseach has announced, with a green list of countries where no quarantine upon return will be necessary.

Ireland will also enter phase three of the lockdown exit plan on Monday.

As expected, gyms, theatres, cafes and other facilities will open up again on Monday. Restrictions on movements will also be eased.

Places of worship will also get a further easing of numbers that can attend services.

Mr Varadkar also confirmed a commemoration would be held for the pandemic and lives lost.

Birds delay Dursey Cable Car

The €10 million redevelopment of the Dursey Island cable car has hit an obsacle over fears about the impact of the project on nesting birds on the island. dursey0220

An Bord Pleanála has written to Cork County Council about the project, raising concerns about the ecological impact of the scheme, which aims to increase tourist numbers on the island in the coming years.

The cable car has grown in popularity in recent years, increasing from 12,000 visitors in 2015 to 22,000 in 2018.

The Dursey Island cable car in West Cork is at the centre of a multi-million euro proposal that would see two independently operated cable cars in operation, as well as a visitor centre, café and improved car parking on the mainland side.