Cork business owner opens up new takeaway service, Eat Street, as local support increases but says Government support for businesses beyond March is needed

Calls have been made for the extension of the PUP payment beyond March 31st.

Businesses including many restauranteurs here Leeside say they're in the dark about when they will be able to reopen, and whether they'll face closure again in 2021.

Over €5 billion has been paid out in PUP payments since it was first introduced in March last year, with accommodation and food service activities, wholesale and retail trade, and sectors such as hairdressers and beauty salons with the highest number of claimants.

Speaking to RedFM News Cork restauranteur Kevin Madden who has transformed his business into a takeaway service, Eat Street, says everyone is supporting local at the moment, but businesses need to know that financial support is available from the Government if the pandemic worsens: