Storm damage will cost businesses millions - SFA
The director of the Small Firms Association Pat Delaney has said that significant business losses will arise as a result of the fierce weather conditions across Ireland.
The cost of the storms across Ireland will run to millions in lost sales, damage to stocks, capital equipment and properties.
Many companies in the retail sector are reporting significant downturn in sales this morning less people came out to shop in large towns and cities.
Distribution companies are the worst to suffer, with driving conditions and flooding making deliveries impossible in some parts and extremely difficult in others.
The SFA has conducted a nationwide telephone survey of 150 small companies throughout Ireland today. The companies are engaged in manufacturing, distribution, retail and services.
Significant interruptions were reported in affected areas in the south, south east and eastern areas. Many companies reported staff delays and difficulty in trading.
Mr Delaney said: "The overall cost to business of the bad weather is difficult to predict but every hour lost throughout Ireland equates to €40m lost in productivity and wages. This does not include lost sales in the retail sector or losses throughout the services sector which will be very significant."
