'It's very hard': Carlow business hits out at lack of support for local, family-run businesses

Aisling Lacey, the owner of Dame Ladies Fashion in Carlow, has hit out at the government having its "head in the sand" when it comes to the reality small businesses across the country are facing. 

Speaking in a TikTok video, Aisling highlighted how she has been feeling as though the government have been ignoring the situation that many family-run, local businesses are dealing with. 

In the past week alone, more than three businesses have announced their closure in Carlow. 

"I feel like we are circling and nobody is listening. While you're trying your best to do business, it's very hard. It's very hard out there at the moment and it's not just for retail," Aisling said. 

"I'm at a place now where I feel like the government are actually just completely sticking their head in the sand and ignoring us small Irish businesses. They are not doing anything to help," she added. 

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Aisling expressed that small businesses are not looking for handouts but they are looking for a fair economic climate to trade in. 

She then asked any business owners who see the video to share it and tag their local TDs and councillors.

"Please, I implore you now to listen to this. If you don't step up and do something for businesses in Ireland, there will be none left. We cannot continue to keep trading where we are being hit with pension contributions, wage increases, VAT. We are looking at rent rates, service charges," Aisling highlighted. 

She added that she is happy to speak to anyone in terms of coming up with a solution, while specifying that customers are not the issue. 

"People are trying their best to support businesses. We have the most amazing customers," she said.

Aisling says the government need to step up and help rather than putting their support into international businesses.

She has been self-employed for 14 years and opened during the recession at a time where everyone told her she was "crazy" for doing so.  

You can watch Aisling's video below:

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