The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has issued a statement claiming that the scenes witnessed on Thursday night could not have arrived at 'a worse time' for business owners in Dublin city centre.
The Association reports that some restaurants are already reporting a significant number of booking cancellations for the coming weeks.
On Friday, the RAI said it was engaging with the highest level of government on behalf of Dublin city centre restaurants and hospitality businesses.
'Policing'
'Its critical high level of policing is maintained over the next number of weeks throughout December,' said Adrian Cummins, CEO of the RAI, yesterday on Twitter.
'I will be advocating for free public transport (buses/Luas) at weekends to boost business for Christmas.'
Christmas Season
In its statement issued on Friday, the RAI said this time of year is of the utmost importance to restaurants and cafés hoping for a busy Christmas season to support them through 2024.
The Association has identified a number of priority actions which it claims must be taken to support hospitality businesses in Dublin.
Damages
The RAI said the government must ensure the highest level of Garda visibility 'ever seen' is present on the streets of Dublin both day and night until the end of January.
The association also called for grant aid/wage subsidies to be provided to businesses that were forced to close, and who faced damage to property and will incur repair costs as a result.
In addition, the RAI called for a public awareness campaign conveying the message that Dublin city is safe to visit and open for business during the Christmas period.
