5.1.1 Impact of Covid-19

Closed22 Dec, 2020, 9:00am - 12 Mar, 2021, 5:00pm
5.1.1 Impact of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on economic performance internationally, nationally and consequently at local level. The closure of businesses in March of 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on economic performance including in terms of;

  • Loss of revenue at national level
  • Loss of revenue at local level (Rates and car parking)
  • Reduction in activity within town centres generally
  • Loss of business activity and revenues in the majority of sectors
  • Increase in the numbers in the Labour Force availing of state employment supports.

Both nationally and at local level there have been initiatives to counteract the impact through:

  • A range of emergency legislation to deal with the impacts of Covid-19
  • Making town centres more pedestrian and cycle friendly
    • One-way traffic system in Kilkenny City core area
    • Tables and chairs in the public realm
  • Implementation of financial supports – LEO
  • Partial waiver of commercial rates for impacted businesses

The Covid-19 pandemic has created many challenges for society including the Council in terms of assessing the potential long-term impact on the economic and development progress of the Council.

At the time of writing of this plan, it is National and local policy to assume that the restrictions created by Covid-19 will last at least into the short term, until such time as we as a society learn to adjust to its presence or a medical cure is developed in order to control the virus which would negate the physical impacts.

For the purpose of this plan it is assumed that the physical impacts of the pandemic will be short term in the context of strategic planning.  

Contents

Home