Aubrey McCarthy (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to express concern over the closure of another small or medium business, namely, Thunders Bakery in Dublin. It was a much loved Dublin institution that served our communities for more than five decades. Established in 1969, Thunders Bakery has been a cornerstone of local life, providing quality baked goods and deli items across its eight branches, including in Donaghmede, Phibsborough, Clontarf, Drumcondra and Walkinstown.

The announcement of its closure, due to unsustainable trading conditions, is a stark reminder of the challenges facing small and medium sized enterprises in Ireland today. I know for myself as I have a small restaurant in Naas. This closure not only impacts the family and the owners; it also impacts the 66 staff employed by the bakery. It also leaves a void in the community where the business is. Thunders was a renowned bakery with legacy cakes. The birthday cakes were part of the community and it was the tradition that customers became their friends. Its closure follows the recent shutting down of many small businesses, including Breadman Walking, another community-focused bakery, which highlights a worrying trend in the decline of such small businesses. I urge the Government to examine the factors contributing to these closures, including rising costs, regulatory pressures, and the broader economic environment. We must ensure that SMEs like Thunders Bakery, which are the backbone of our economy, receive the support that they need to thrive.