The Donegal chairman of the Irish Hotels Federation is hitting out at the government over what he says is the failure to include the hospitality industry in its decision-making in relation to Covid-19.
Paul Diver was speaking following the announcement that it is unlikely the hospitality sector will reopen before mid-summer.
Paul Diver says hotel and guesthouse owners now want an urgent review of business and employment supports for the sector.
He added that if the all-important summer period is being eroded, additional supports are needed.
He pointed out that before the pandemic, about 7,500 livelihoods were supported by tourism and hospitality in Donegal, with the sector contributing €249m to the local economy.
Mr Diver, who runs the Sandhouse Hotel in Rossnowlagh, voiced his disappointment with the way announcements are made about what’s happening.
He outlined what the government now needs to do for the hotel and hospitality industry.
Although efforts to control the Covid virus is now going on for almost a year, Mr Diver said it was frustrating.
However, he said people such as those who were will or who had lost loved ones must never be forgotten.
