In this episode, Niall discusses the concerning trend of business closures in rural Ireland. The episode begins with a discussion around the closure of Burnt Pizza, a restaurant in Cork, which resulted in the loss of up to 10 jobs. The owner, Damien Twohig, attributes the closure to various factors, including the government's decision to restore the VAT rate for food-led businesses, increased minimum wage, and rising energy costs exacerbated by external factors such as the war in Ukraine.

Niall highlights the broader issue of small businesses struggling across the country, with reasons ranging from COVID-19 debt to staffing shortages and increased running costs. The influx of refugees into local hotels is also cited as a factor contributing to decreased footfall for rural businesses.

Despite attempts to reach out to industry organizations such as Failte Ireland and the Restaurant Association, they were unavailable for comment. However, Niall engages with business owners and listeners to gather their perspectives on the challenges facing Irish businesses and their prospects for survival during these tough times.

Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on the factors they believe are impacting Irish businesses and whether they perceive any solutions or changes on the horizon. Through open dialogue and discussion, Niall aims to shed light on the complex issues facing rural businesses and explore potential avenues for support and improvement.

Join Niall as he navigates the landscape of rural business closures, seeking insights from business owners and listeners alike on the challenges and opportunities ahead.