That is according to the results of a survey carried out by SME Recovery Ireland of 199 small and medium sized businesses.

It revealed that the 142 small businesses employing between 1-50 people that remained closed until 18th May could have incurred average losses of €117,000.

The survey also revealed that small businesses that remained open until 18th May reported a 70 per cent revenue decrease.

Managing Director, of Laois based Avid Partners, Jamie O'Hanlon is one of hundreds of local business owners who have gotten behind the Plan and he spoke to Ronan about it on Tuesday 9th June 2020.

SME Recovery Ireland is an umbrella platform established by business representative groups and small business owners to develop and advocate for a recovery plan for the small business sector for implementation as part of the Government’s Covid-19 National Recovery Plan.

Taking Care of Business - Covid-19 Updates Episode 9 by Midlands 103

The Laois African Support Group want to work hand in hand with the Government to promote equality and integration.

A letter to Minister Charlie Flanagan callls for zero tolerance to racism.

On this episode of The Open Door, Ann Marie Kelly speaks to members of the Group to hear their reaction to the death of George Floyd and how they foresee change which they say must start in our schools.

Welcome to Phase 2 we find out what is getting back to normal after lockdown from today, we meet a man who spent 32 days on a ventilator, he thanks the people who saved his life and we meet meet the firemen from Laois who have found a very clever way of raising money while keeping their clothes on!

Dr Douglas Hamilton, Consultant In Public Health Medicine by Midlands 103

On this week's 'Saturday View' show...

Liam discusses racism...he's talking about fear and hatred and all the things we've seen and heard this week.

George Floyd's death in Minneapolis…How black people across the Midlands are reacting...and how are we fighting racism in the Midlands..

#blacklivesmatter and what are we doing about it?

Liam clashes with an Edenderry listener who complains about about ‘Non-nationals fishing on the town’s canal banks’

He's getting calls about Portlaoise and why some people think the town's landscape is being destroyed..

The Justice Minister is told by a group in his own constituency that he must to more to eradicate racism, are you ready for the big change in our weather and how long will it last? And meat factories, not only are you seeing a high concentration of Covid-19 cases but if you have been in close contact with one of them there's a 40% chance the HSE hasn't told you.

Encore Thursday 4th June, 2020 by Midlands 103

Ireland lost €6 billion in the month of May alone how much longer will the pandemic payments last? You'll hear why an Offaly woman in Florida is getting involved in the Black Lives Matter protests and are Summer camps going ahead and would you send your child to one?

Country Life Wednesday 3rd June, 2020 by Midlands 103