'Businesses crying out for help': Another Cork restaurant closes its doors

Businesses are "crying out for help", a local councillor has said, as calls have been made for immediate action from Government following the news that yet another Cork city restaurant has closed its doors.

Around 20 jobs are understood to have been lost as Nash 19, which was founded by Claire Nash and located on Princes Street, ceases trading.

Labour Party councillor John Maher has called on the Government to intervene and accept that small and medium businesses are suffering and closing.

"It's 12 days into 2024 and we have seen several shops, cafes and restaurants close," Mr Maher said. 

"Our city centre has been particularly hit, with the closure of Twilight [newsagents], Tung Sing and now Nash 19.

"Government ministers must liaise with business owners and other stakeholders and offer incentives to help businesses survive during this difficult time. 

"I have asked that Cork City Council introduce reduced parking fees for people who use the city during the morning times and for enforcement of bus lanes and private car ban to increase and allow public transport work more efficiently.

"The government must wake up and smell the coffee and help businesses that are crying out for help."

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Ms Nash said: “It is difficult to blame anyone or anything in particular, but the cost of doing business is unmeasurable, it is out of control and it has led me to the end of the road.”

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) said: "Shocked and saddened by the news @Nash19Cork, a Cork institution is closing.

"Huge supporter of local food producers.

"If a long standing business like this is closing, what hope for the rest of the sector.

"Government needs to take immediate action."

In recent days and weeks in Cork a number of businesses have closed or have announced imminent closures.

Tung Sing Chinese Restaurant cited increasing operating expenses as the reason behind the decision to close. Pigalle gastro-pub also closed, as did Twilight newsagents.

Meanwhile, The Baldy Barber told The Echo €15,000 would be needed to keep his business going and he planned to close and sell. Revenue at his barbershop dropped by 40% last year.