Irwin raises garden centre reopening

Mr Irwin said there was a significant contradiction in ruling that garden centres remain closed, whilst large supermarket chains are open and able to sell all manner of plant related goods.

Mr Irwin added:“I have been contacted by a number of garden centre businesses and as we move through the early part of the year these businesses are getting ready for the spring. However, there is a high level of concern that whilst the rules remain as they are, plant products cannot then be sold. This is on top of all the difficulties the protocol is also presenting to garden centre businesses.

“These businesses rightly point out the glaring contradiction of permitting larger scale supermarkets to sell all manner of garden related products, including plants and this is in an indoor environment. Garden centres are mostly outdoor environments and as the last lockdown easing proved, they can accommodate the anti-covid spread measures.”

He concluded, “I have raised my concerns with Minister Swann and I do trust that he will take on board the views of our garden centre businesses and adjust the rules to permit and sensible reopening as soon as possible. People really do enjoy working in their gardens and it would be so beneficial and a little light relief especially given the very long period of restrictions that have been in place.”