What are essential retail outlets?

On 24 March 2020, the Irish Government announced new restrictions to try and slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. You can read the details of the new restrictions on gov.ie and in our document on public health measures for COVID-19.

The following is an indicative list of what are considered essential retail outlets:

• Retail and wholesale sale of food, beverages and newspapers in non-specialised and specialised stores
• Retail sale of household consumer products necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of residences and businesses
• Pharmacies/chemists and retailers providing pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical or dispensing services
• Opticians/optometrists
• Retail sale of medical and orthopaedic goods in specialised stores
• Fuel stations and heating fuel providers
• Retailers involved in the repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycle repair and related facilities (for example, tyre sales and repairs)
• Retail sale of essential items for the health and welfare of animals, including animal feed and medicines, animal food, pet food and animal supplies including bedding
• Laundries and drycleaners
• Banks, post offices and credit unions
• Retail sale of safety supply stores (for example, work clothes, Personal Protective Equipment)
• Hardware stores, builders’ merchants and stores that provide hardware products necessary for home and business maintenance, sanitation and farm equipment, supplies and tools essential for gardening/farming/agriculture
• Retail sale of office products and services for individuals working from home and for businesses
• Retailers providing electrical, IT and phone sales, repair and maintenance services for home