Galway could be worst hit city by ‘Covid crash’

From this week’s Galway City Tribune – Galway could be the worst-hit city in Ireland by the Covid-19 economic crash, a new report from the country’s three regional assemblies has warned.

Because it contains the highest number of business units in sectors most likely to be impacted negatively by the outbreak, a report compiled by the three Regional Assemblies of Ireland has concluded Galway’s economy will suffer more than the four other major cities in Ireland.

Using data compiled at a regional level, this report by authorities including the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, has deduced that Galway City and suburbs would be the most exposed to economic disruption – with almost half its commercial units operating in the sectors which have been worst affected.

The devastating impact of a collapse in the tourism industry is particularly relevant to Galway, where many businesses are reliant on the income generated by tourist numbers which had been increasing year-on-year up to 2020.

A list of businesses expected to suffer the biggest blows includes some of Galway’s best earners such as wholesale and retail services; accommodation and food; arts, entertainment and recreation services.

Construction, childcare, hairdressing and beauty treatment, and physical wellbeing institutes are also noted to be particularly vulnerable
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