This article is from page 15 of the 2013-07-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
THE sunshine has seen a major boost to retail operations all along the west coast of Clare in the last few days with all stores reporting a welcome surge in business.
Last weekend saw roads to and from a host of Clare beaches thronged and with forecasts suggesting at least ten more days of warm and sunny con- ditions, the mini-boom looks set to continue.
John McCarthy from the Lahinch Surf School is delighted with the upswing he has seen in the last two weeks.
“These weeks are usually our quitest weeks of the summer, but this year we have had a great turnout at our surf school. It’s geat to see all the local businesses doing so well, the waves are great out here, it’s been like California,” he told The Clare People .
Accommodation has been at a premium in West Clare and the famed Willie Clancy Week will also boost local trade and employment.
According to managing director of the Armada, John Burke, their combined hotels now employ around 225 people, which up up 35 from last year.
Speaking about their boost in business, John said, “It’s a combination of a number of factors, but the weather is certainly supporting it. We are working hard to maxamise opportunities, with additional seating outside, barbecues, a local activity club, strawberry and ice cream stands, and cold plates; customers are reacting well to these so far,” he said.
The weather has been a great boost for local companies specialising in water sports such as surfing, kayaking, cliffs cruises and stand up paddling, while bicycle hire has also seen a huge increase in demand.
Forecasters are predicting the good weather for at least ten days, with temperatures in Clare expected to hit the 28c mark mid-week.