#Covid-19: Just Eat to invest €1m package to support restaurant sector amid coronavirus outbreak

"Difficult and challenging times."

Just Eat has pledged to invest €1 million as part of a package to support the restaurant sector amid the coronavirus outbreak. Restaurants in Ireland have been struggling since last week following the government's social distancing and self isolation recommendations due to the pandemic. While the majority of take away restaurants are still offering their services, many traditional eateries are now struggling due to temporary closures. Just Eat has said that they will pledge €1 million as part of a package to support the restaurant sector during this uncertain time. This will include reduced commissions for independent restaurants already on the Just Eat platform, abolished sign up fees, and investment in other operations and menu development. Just Eat MD Amanda Roche-Kelly says that although most of the platform's existing partners remain open, they want to ensure that these businesses remain busy.

“We are also really conscious that there are hundreds of local independent restaurants in towns, villages and suburbs throughout the country that have been forced to close their doors," she says.

"Previously they haven’t offered a delivery option but for them, this is the only way that they can keep staff employed and stay open during the period ahead.  We have been inundated with requests for support from this cohort of restaurants and are delighted to be in a position to invest to help them.

Owners of Co Wicklow's Platform Pizza & Box Burger, Conor and Nicola Duggan, say that they have had to adapt to changing times quickly to ensure that their business stays afloat.

“During these difficult and challenging times, we are very grateful to Just Eat as they have given our business an opportunity to continue operating, to continue employment and to continue providing a service to the community, allowing us to keep our brands alive," they say.

“While we had to quickly adapt how we operate our business to keep our staff and customers safe, we are grateful for the continued support from our loyal customers. The measures introduced by Just Eat are giving us extra support - something that is badly needed."

This comes after Just Eat introduced contactless delivery last week to keep their couriers and customers safe. You can find out more about contactless delivery here.