Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy
Speaking after the relaxation of some restrictions today and ahead of the Executive’s meeting on Thursday, Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy said:
“It’s great to see parts of the economy reopening today. Slowly but surely we are getting back to normality and these relaxations are vital in supporting our businesses and giving them a fighting chance of getting back on their feet. Ahead of this Thursday’s Executive meeting, it is welcome to hear both the First and deputy First Ministers indicate that more relaxations will be discussed by the Executive later this week.
“Movement on the reopening of retail and leisure and some close-contact businesses would be excellent news for large swathes of our economy and we hope that workable and firm dates will come at the end of this week, keeping us in line with England, Scotland and Wales. April will be a crucial month for the survival of many of our businesses and reopening these sectors will be vital in our recovery. Northern Ireland has done exceptionally well in our vaccine programme, hitting 1 million jabs at the weekend. Through our actions and following the rules, we have also taken the pressure off our health system again and cases are falling daily.
“Now is the time to look toward reopening and recovery. Giving the retail, leisure, hospitality and close-contact sectors dates of reopening this week would mark another significant step in the journey back to a more normal society and economy and it is crucial that the Executive supports the Economy Minister’s proposals on Thursday.”