Job losses as Brew’s shuts doors in Kilrush

The retail sector in Kilrush has been dealt a huge blow following the liquidation of Brew’s hardware and electrical shop in Henry Street. The business had expanded in recent years when a bathroom supply outlet was constructed and opened in Place de Plouzane, which is at the rear of the main shop.

Approximately 12 jobs have been lost from the family business, which was in its fourth generation.
A creditors’ meeting will be held in the West County Hotel, Ennis at 11am next Tuesday.
Following the closure of Brew’s and that of other small rural businesses throughout the county, Fine Gael TD Pat Breen has urged Clare County Council to deal sympathetically with companies struggling to pay their commercial rate bills.
“Brew’s was a landmark store in Kilrush and one of the town’s longest-established family owned businesses. A visit to a friendly family business is always a very positive experience and Brew’s provided an excellent range and variety of products and they will be sadly missed in the town and throughout west Clare,” he said. 
If other businesses are to avoid going to the wall, Deputy Breen feels the Government and the county council have to act.
“If local shops and businesses in our rural towns are to survive, a stimulus package must be introduced which would include measures to get lending going again. A national competitiveness action plan to bring down costs controlled or regulated by the Government and abolish upward-only rent reviews on new contracts is needed,” he maintained.