We’re UP & away after lockdown..
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SPENDING on flights soared by 139% in the first week of Ireland’s second phase of economic reopening, new figures reveal.
After three months in lockdown, Irish shoppers are itching to get away with air travel purchases almost tripling in the first seven days of phase two.
Spend on trains, buses and taxis rocketed by 115% while on spending on holiday accommodation jumped by 101% from June 8 to 14, the debit card analysis shows.
The Bank of Ireland figures also revealed how the return of horse racing behind closed doors on June 8, coincided with a 57% increase on gambling spending.
Spokesman John O’beirne said the figures reflect strong general optimism among Irish consumers about the lifting of easing of coronavirus restrictions. He added: “Covid-19 has had a detrimental impact across health, society and the economy, impacting livelihoods and businesses across Ireland.
“Holidays are clearly front-of-mind, and spend on air travel and accommodation increased significantly last week.
“A natural impact from the easing of restrictions is that we are leaving our homes more often, and this is clearly reflected in more of us spending on passenger transport services and spending less on entertainment such as streaming services.”
As lockdown eased our appetites sharpened and our takeaway/fast food restaurant bills climbed by 63% while we rang up 56% more in retail sales.
The news comes as pubs face tough new proposals to their business which propose a €9 minimum spend and 90-minute time limit when premises serving food are allowed to reopen on June 29.
Meanwhile, spend on stay-athome activities took a dip with a 2% drop in grocery purchases.
Debit card spending on entertainment fell by 11%, while there was a fall of 21% in gaming purchases and 13% on video streaming.