Northern Ireland gives go-ahead for car dealership opening.

The Northern Ireland Executive has announced that from 30 April all shops in Northern Ireland will be permitted to reopen, in line with a package of indicative reopening dates.

This includes car dealerships and Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, welcomed the decision, saying that the NFDA’s lobbying efforts were instrumental in bringing it about.

Currently, only essential retailers are permitted to open, whilst a number of businesses such as car washes and vehicle retailers have been able to trade outdoor since Monday 12 April 2021.

An indicative date of 24 May has also been set for further relaxations to restrictions, including the mixing of households in private dwellings and some other gatherings, subject to a review.

Robinson added: “We have been working with officials and ministers to ensure the full reopening of showrooms in Northern Ireland as soon as it was deemed safe to do so and it is encouraging that dealers will be able to welcome customers back into their premises later this week.

“Following the huge challenges that faced automotive retailers over the past twelve months, the reopening of showrooms across the UK is an important step forward, one that will support people’s personal mobility and help get the economy moving again”.