The Fed Meets with Fine Gael TD, Brian Brennan, in Co Wexford

The Federation of Independent Retailers has met with Fine Gael TD Mr. Brian Brennan in Bunclody in County Wexford on Monday 23rd March to discuss some of the challenges impacting independent retailers throughout Ireland.

Mr. Brennan met at the business of the Fed’s Vice President in Ireland, Peter Steemers, which operated in the town for the past century, but is currently impacting by a range of economic and regulatory headwinds.  Mr Steemers was also accompanies by the Fed’s Membership Development Executive for Ireland, David McKeown.

Topics discussed included the year’s further increase in the National Minimum wage which went up by €0.65 (4.8%) to €14.15 per hour to sit as the second highest in the EU behind only Luxembourg. Mr. Steemers also highlighted Government taxation and associated regulatory costs like the €1,800 combined Tobacco and Vape Licence.

The Fed team also spoke about the rising spectre of retail crime with shop theft causing direct financial costs in terms of lost stock, but also in terms of expensive security measures small retailers need to take in order to better defend their premises.

Mr. Brennan said: “I was delighted to see Peter’s business and to discuss the vast range of product and services it provides. It is so important shops like this continue to both survive and thrive and I look forward to working with them – along with Fine Gael colleagues – in the months ahead.”

Mr. Steemers said: “I would like to thank Mr. Brennan for visiting the business and listening to the concerns of Fed members. He seemed genuinely keen to work with us locally and in Dublin and we hope to meet with him again at the Dáil Éireann.”

The meeting follows a recent discussion with Sinn Féin TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, earlier in the month at the same business which was part of the Fed’s ongoing initiative to ensure retailers are heard across the political spectrum.