Restaurants Association CEO seeing drop off in footfall

The chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Adrian Cummins, has said that the blockades in Dublin are having a negative impact on business in the city.

"There is an impact on business, especially in the O'Connell Street area.

We've seen a drop off in footfall," he said.

He said that while it is good to see the quays opened up and traffic going up and down, the association is concerned in terms of the ongoing protests, in terms of business viability for the city centre.

He added that the association is looking for a resolution for this.

Mr Cummins said that there were also concerns around deliveries, and knock-on effects for tourism.

"Deliveries are a big issue for us now in terms of trying to get food produce into our businesses for our customers," he said.

"What we want to make sure of is that our customers are helped in terms of getting their bookings when they come into the city centre," he stated.

He also said there is a knock-on effect in terms of tourism for Ireland.

"Tourists coming into the country are concerned around getting around the country in terms of their tour if they come here," he explained.

Mr Cummins said shortages in supplies were already beginning.

"We are in the food service industry, chilled products are important for us so the sooner that we can get from the factory to our premises as quickly as possible, that's very important for our industry," he said.

"While we agree with the concerns around the cost of living at the moment, especially around fuel, there has to be a resolution for this protest as soon as possible," he added.