A small number of businesses across Donegal kept their doors closed today, Monday, in protest at ever-increasing business costs and in solidarity with fuel price protestors.
The strike, which took place nationally, was organised in solidarity with the hauliers, farmers and transport operators who have held demonstrations over the past week.
Among the businesses that closed today was Burrito Loco in Letterkenny.
The restaurant and takeaway said: “As a small family business in Letterkenny, we feel this crisis every single day — in every delivery, every supplier invoice, every time we fill up the van. Rising fuel costs don’t just hurt at the pump. They ripple through everything.
“We stand with the families struggling to heat their homes, the hauliers keeping Ireland moving, and the farmers feeding this nation. These are our people. This is our community.”
K9 Academy in Letterkenny also joined the strike. The dog daycare business said: “The rising cost of living is affecting businesses, families and communities across Ireland, including ours.”
In Carndonagh, Deirdre Bradley, owner of Deirdre’s on the Diamond, said she felt action was necessary.
“This needs to happen, or we could all be closed permanently if costs keep rising,” she said.
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O+F Coffee in Carndonagh also closed today and said: “Like many small businesses across the country, we are being pushed to the brink by relentless cost increases. Rising taxes, soaring energy bills, and ever-increasing overheads are making it impossible for small businesses to survive.
“We have kept O+F Coffee Point open for the past five years despite operating at a loss, because we care deeply about our staff and our community. However, the reality is that with every new budget, the pressure on small businesses grows heavier, leaving many with no option but to close their doors for good.”
Two protests over the fuel crisis are about to get underway in Donegal this Monday evening, 13th April.
A gathering is planned for Bridgend from 5pm, to run along the N13 Newtowncunningham to Burt road.
A second protest is set to run through Letterkenny town centre from 7pm. The proposed route is from the Dual Carriageway up Main Street Letterkenny, around Pearse Road and back to the Dry Arch.