'This is not just a coincidence, it's a crisis,' business closures hit Tipperary again

"Another Clonmel business shuts its doors this is not just a coincidence, it's a crisis," says County Tipperary Chamber of Commerce. 

In a statement on LinkedIn, the Chamber said: "In the space of a week, O’Keeffe’s Bar & Nightclub and now New Look Clonmel have closed, leaving job losses, empty units, and a growing sense of uncertainty for businesses and workers alike.

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"Retail and hospitality businesses are being hit from all sides rising costs, staff shortages, and an increasingly unsustainable trading environment.

"If this pattern continues, Clonmel and towns across Tipperary will face an economic downturn that will be incredibly difficult to recover from."

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They added: "County Tipperary Chamber has already engaged with the staff affected by New Look's closure and will be providing upskilling and support to help them transition to new opportunities. 

"Every business closure is a blow not just to the owners and staff, but to the entire towns.

"Empty shopfronts mean fewer people in town, reduced footfall for other businesses, and a local economy under strain.

"If action isn't taken, we will see more businesses forced to shut their doors.

"We need urgent Government intervention and real, meaningful supports to keep businesses open, protect jobs, and ensure our towns remain places where people can live, work, and shop."