An economist says Government's policy of rolling lockdowns may have caused lasting damage to economy
Jim Power is also accusing the state of failing to carry out a proper risk assessment of current pandemic restrictions.
His report shows Ireland tops the Reuters league table of rolling lockdowns at 163 days, compared to 131 in second-placed Italy.
Jim Power says the Government's plan has damaged the economy and small firms may never reopen:
"The cost in terms of economic output lost last year which I would estimate at least 15 billion. The fact that thousands of small businesses have been basically forced to shut down and many of those businesses may not be able to survive and the consequences of that for employment and for rural and regional economic activity could be particularly devastating."
More from Cork
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Lord Mayor Of City Felt Privileged To Represent Cork During Such A Difficult Time As He Faces Into Last Month In Office
Councillor Joe Kavanagh will be handing over the mayoral chains outside of City Hall for the first time ever on June 18th due to the pandemic
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Expert calls for people to reduce meat intake
Eating too much meat can increase the risk of serious illnesses by as much as 30%.
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International Care Day Is Being Celebrated At The Bessborough Centre In Blackrock Today
The event highlights the positive impact of the experience of young people in care
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UPDATE: Teenage Girl Killed And Three Teenage Boys Injured In Knocknaheeny Crash
It's understood the teenage driver of the car fled the scene on foot
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Angry Farmers To Stage Protest Outside Aldi in Mitchelstown Later
They're appealing to retailers to come to the talks table
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UPDATE: Toddler Who Was Injured At Her Home On The Boreenmanna Road Has Died
The two year-old was rushed to hospital with traumatic head injuries