#084: The Bottom Line - Consumer Sentiment, Retail, Tourism and Kilkenny & Carlow Chambers of Commerce

Austin Hughes, Chief Economist at KBC Bank Ireland joined John to discuss consumer confidence at the end of the first very challenging quarter of this year. Austin also shares his insights into what lies ahead over the next weeks and months for the economy and the country as we begin to emerge from Covid.  Retail Excellence Ireland represents over 2,000 of Irelands leading retailers, Duncan Graham, Managing Director at Retail Excellence Ireland spoke with John about how the retail sector is feeling after the Government’s announcement on plans for easing of restrictions earlier in the week.During the week Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin along with Fáilte Ireland announced details of a €17 million Outdoor Dining Enhancement scheme, Paul Keely, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland, joined John to tell him more about the scheme. John Hurley, CEO of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce and Colin Duggan, President of County Carlow Chamber of Commerce joined John to provide some insights into how our local business communities are feeling after another tough week in business and what more the Government needs to do to help business.With thanks to O’Neill Foley, Produced by Deirdre Dromey.To contact the show, email: [email protected]