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The western seaboard has been hit hard by unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Figures from the Department of Social Protection show that people living in Donegal, Clare and Kerry are all heavily reliant on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).
While the highest number of recipients are in Dublin and neighbouring commuter counties, western counties still show a high number of recipients.
Some 22,400 people in Donegal are receiving the payment, followed by 21,800 in Kerry and 14,400 in Clare.
Mayo has also been hit hard by the pandemic – with 16,200 on the payment.
Anecdotal evidence would suggest that these areas have suffered a knock in revenue from tourism activities.
The PUP is worth €350/week for people between the ages of 18 and 66. It is available to employed and self-employed workers, but farmers have been advised by the Department that they will only be eligible for the payment if they are able to take up some other form of full-time employment outside of farming.
In total, there are 8,600 farmers in receipt of the payment across the country.
Total
Overall, 589,600 people are receiving the payment, with the accommodation and food services sectors the most reliant on the payment.
A COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit worth €350/week is also available to anyone who is sick or self-isolating.
Up to 44,600 people are in receipt of the payment.
Thankfully, only 400 farmers are in receipt of the payment, a relatively low number in comparison with other sectors.
For more information on how to access payments, the Department of Social Protection advises people to go to www.MyWelfare.ie or to call their local welfare office.
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