Tag Archives: allen flynn

GREATLY increased energy prices are going to pose challenges not just for business this winter, but for everyone in the country, warns Allen Flynn, proprietor of the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis. “It is a very daunting time, for everybody, whether you’re in a one-bedroom flat or a four-bedroom house, whether you’re running a business or not, every citizen is going to be affected by this,” he says. Mr Flynn says while the Old Ground has cut energy usage in recent years, those savings will be more than wiped out this year. “In terms of ourselves here, what we’ve done over the last number of years is introduce a very strong energy consumption programme, so we can be as sustainable as possible. “That has brought significant reductions through LED lighting and everything like that. We’ve been very happy that our consumption has dropped. “But regardless of what we’ve managed to achieve in the last number of years, the fact is …

ENNIS hotelier Allen Flynn is delighted with the relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions. The virus has plunged the hospitality and tourism industries into chaos over the last two years, but yesterday’s announcement of a major easing of restrictions has sparked much optimism that 2022 will be different. Speaking to the Clare Champion on Friday, Mr Flynn said it was great to see things going in the right direction. “It’ll make a massive difference. We’ve had a very tough period since Christmas as a result of Covid, everyone wants to do their bit, ensuring the health and safety of customers and staff was paramount, everyone wanted to buy into that, and we’d like to think we’re coming out at the other end much stronger.” Given the nature of his business, he expected it would take a few days to get ready. “In our industry you can’t just flick a switch, there are staff who may be on vacation, there are temporary lay …

WITH the number of Covid-19 cases soaring, many businesses across Clare have either closed or reduced their operations as 2022 begins. Post-Christmas statistics for the prevalence of Covid-19 in Clare are not available as yet, but record figures have been seen nationally this week. Anecdotal evidence does suggest a huge amount of infections in this county. While the vast majority of people are vaccinated and many of those infected have only had mild symptoms, the requirement for isolation means many people are not in a position to attend their places of work. Mayor of Clare PJ Ryan runs an oil business and on Wednesday he said two of his staff were absent due to Covid.  He warned that the impact on business is likely to be very serious throughout the month of January. “Covid is definitely very prevalent in the area and it’s seriously going to affect businesses over the next number of weeks. If the numbers keep going up …

GOVERNMENT supports like the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme need to be extended for at least four months to help the struggling hospitality sector to survive, according to local hoteliers. Clare hotels, who are big commercial ratepayers, suffered a double hit this week with a 3.8% hike in commercial rates and a reduction of financial supports under the EWSS. Old Ground Hotel proprietor, Allen Flynn described the decision to increase rates as “extraordinary” at a time when a lot of businesses are struggling to stay open. “It is only government supports that is keeping most businesses open at the moment. These supports need to be continued for the first six months of 2022. “For a local authority to increase its commercial rates is completely at odds with what the government are trying to do. Other Chamber members are shocked and very disappointed with the increase. This sends out a very bad message to business. Despite a strong staycation market when the …

IN celebration of this Saturday’s Ennis Book Club Festival The Old Ground Hotel has put pen to paper and created the perfect ‘book lovers break’. The hotel, of course, has many literary connections of its own, featuring a cosy library area for residents and it celebrates many of the great Irish Poets throughout the hotel, particularly in the bar area where painted portraits hang of writers like Seamus Heaney and Oscar Wilde. Fittingly then they have titled their Book Club Festival offer The ‘Poet’s Package’ which includes a one-night stay in a luxurious and spacious room or suite, dinner in the acclaimed Poet’s Corner bar which features delicious fresh local Ennis produce. Guests availing of the ‘Poet’s Package’ will also receive a signed copy of ‘This is Happiness’ by Man Booker nominated novelist Niall Williams in their room upon arrival along with tickets to a book festival headline event of your choice. https://twitter.com/ebcf/status/1434833536025088004?s=20 Commenting on the upcoming Book Festival and …

DOZENS of Ennis businesses across a range of sectors are joining forces to try and help bring about a sustained recovery in the town, as the spectre of lockdowns begins to retreat. Speaking about it this week one of the leading figures in the town’s hospitality sector, Allen Flynn of the Old Ground hotel said that there is some very positive work happening. “Over 75 businesses have come together. We’re in the early stages of a recovery plan and it’s vital in terms of positivity for the town. “Ennis Chamber has led the way in terms of raising funds for a niche destination plan for the town and that is being implemented now under the chairmanship of Brian Crowley, who is a very proud Ennisman. “There will be various initiatives in terms of assisting a recovery plan for the town. “There will be an Ennis portal, which will drive overnight visitors, day visitors and shopping. For the first time ever …

DARRAGH McAllister has been elected to the role of President of business advocacy group Ennis Chamber at this week’s AGM. A well-known publican in Ennis, Darragh together with his business partner Dylan Hayes, runs Lucas’ Bar and Considine’s Bar, both located on Parnell Street.Colin Ryan, Branch Manager, Bank of Ireland, Ennis was elected Vice President. Mr McAllister takes over as President of Ennis Chamber from Allen Flynn, Old Ground Hotel, who held the position during the unprecedented, turbulent Covid times experienced over the past 12 months.Speaking after his election, Mr McAllister said, “I am delighted to take on this role, no doubt it will be challenging, especially in this climate, but I’m up for it.”He said the past 12 months have been among the most challenging in living memory, for both business and private life. “The spectre of March 2020 continues to haunt us, in new and varied ways. What many have lost can never be replaced and, without a …

SHANNON and Ennis Chamber presidents, Stephen Keogh and Allen Flynn, are calling on everyone in county Clare to “stop, look, shop and stay local” to support business owners who have had to courage to get up and running again, albeit while incurring extra costs to ensure that their premises are safe and that their return to work measures are in line with Government protocol. The past four months have taken their toll from the initial stages of lockdown to the gradual re-opening of the economy and now the postponing of phase four until early August, which has added another level of angst. “Feedback from all types of businesses within the county is that they are delighted to welcome their customers back. Our call therefore is that we should all think local whenever we need to buy something, be that at a retail or service level,” the Chamber presidents said in a joint statement. “Look to local suppliers first before travelling …