From the middle of March until last Tuesday (5th May) I have been limited to traveling 2 kilometers from my home. Since then the easing of the Covid-19 travel restrictions was extended to 5 kilometers and the over 70’s were allowed to go outside of their home for walks, but avoiding contact with others.

During these restrictions I was fortunate to see the fields behind where I live being prepared for the sowing of seed potatoes. It was wonderful to watch during the lovely weather we had. I was very impressed with how the machinery and equipment was being put to use. At one point there were three tractors in one field carrying out various jobs in sequence, and all done in a short period of time.

Life goes on for farmers and their machines. The photo is of a neighbouring farmer of mine preparing his land for seed potato sowing

How technology in machines has advanced over the years. I remember a retired farmer friend of mine saying to me one time that “what used take a week for me to do can now be done in a matter of hours”.

It was good to hear that an easing of restrictions will begin on Monday (18th May). It is then that the first of a 5 stage plan will kick in. This is good news for our sector as it involves the reopening of golf courses, public sports grounds and certain businesses, as long as the 2 meter social distancing rule can be maintained.

This first phase may allow service dealers in the domestic market to reopen after a long time being closed. Certain businesses are allowed reopen such as hardware stores and garden centres. There will be a phased return of outdoor workers, which will include landscapers and gardeners. Greenkeeping staff and grounds persons were already on the list of essential workers that could travel to work during the restrictions, but on a limited basis. Some of these restrictions will be eased on the 18th of May when golf courses, in particular, will reopen.

These easing of restrictions should benefit service dealers around the country. Hopefully the sales and repairs of mowers and equipment can resume again, which is badly needed.

However there are some dealers around the country who are still finding it difficult to operate. They may have huge overheads such as rent or bank loans. The banks have offered a stay of execution for struggling businesses. The government has introduced a number of additional measures to help businesses get through Covid-19 as restrictions start to be lifted.

Payment breaks on existing borrowings have been the main concern for most businesses and some banks have extended repayments for up to six months. Other businesses may need extra capital to carry them through the corona virus. Various channels are available for business customers to apply for the support they require. For example, you can contact your bank by phone, online, or calling in to your local branch. There is also help available from the government. For more information on what financial help is available for businesses affected by Covid-19 a useful website to visit is the Irish government’s Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) www.dbei.gov.ie This website gives you an up to date guide on what help is available for your business and how to apply for aid.

It is now up to the general public to ensure that we can smoothly get through the 5 stage plan. If we don’t adhere to social distancing or if we travel beyond our designated distance the corona virus could re emerge and we would then end up back at square one. That would be a disaster.

I hope your business will get through this awful time and that you and your family stay safe and well.