*Trump Doonbeg. Photograph: Arthur Ellis

Unlike their US counterparts, employees of the Trump Organisation in West Clare are availing of the Government wage subsidy scheme.

A temporary closure is currently in place at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Ireland situated in Doonbeg as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. At peak, 305 people are employed at the resort with between 70 to 80 individuals working there on a full-time basis year-round.

In a bid to retain workers at the West Clare resort and their Scotland equivalents, the Trump Organisation are availing of wage contribution schemes from both the Irish Government and the UK. This will allow them to retain most of their employees’ salaries, it has not been confirmed that the Trump Organisation is paying the balance for affected staff. In the United States of America, an estimated 2,000 employees dismissed from Trump golf courses and hotels cannot avail of such a scheme and will line up alongside millions for unemployment payments.

Trump Doonbeg is among thousands of companies seeking to avail from state relief programs. On Wednesday, it was confirmed that state broadcaster RTÉ had signed up to the subsidy scheme having recorded a 25%-35% drop in advertising which could account for €85-€118 million in revenue.

Managing Director of Trump Doonbeg, Joe Russell confirmed that the majority of staff had been laid off, “We are ensuring they’re looked after in terms of the government schemes that are available”.

Companies are paid to cover 70% of furloughed staff’s weekly wage as part of the Irish subsidy scheme so long as individuals are kept on the payroll. As much as 85% is covered by the Government from the lowest earners as of May while personnel who lost work are able to claim a weekly payment in a different program. It is not clear if the Trump Organisation is currently topping off the Government-funded wages.

Purchased in 2014, Trump lost €1.5m on the Doonbeg resort in 2018. Accounts filed in November showed an operating profit of €2,939 as revenues increased by 7.5% from €10.66m to €11.47m. The operating profit of €2,939 last year followed an operating loss of €330,030 in 2017, a swing of €332,969.

Planning for coastal protection works at Trump Doonbeg were rejected by An Bord Pleanála in March, it followed a 17 month wait for a decision and overturned the initial ruling by Clare County Council. Fear has expressed locally that the outcome could result in the Trump family walking away from the West Clare business.

Related News

bishop fintan monahan columbarium 4
Bishop Fintan launches online hub for Jubilee Year
Children attending an IFI-sponsored event run by Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub on the Shannon river-2
Sustainable angling tourism in rural areas the focus of IFI funding in 2025
mill rd feud 1
'Criminal gangs cannot turn Clare into a lawless Wild West'
New direct flight to Madeira from Shannon Airport for Summer 2025-2
Shannon lands new twice weekly service to Madeira
Latest News
Children attending an IFI-sponsored event run by Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub on the Shannon river-2
Sustainable angling tourism in rural areas the focus of IFI funding in 2025
mill rd feud 1
'Criminal gangs cannot turn Clare into a lawless Wild West'
cairde ennis 1-2
Cairde show best of Ennis at Christmas
New direct flight to Madeira from Shannon Airport for Summer 2025-2
Shannon lands new twice weekly service to Madeira
cluain ros leamhain roslevan 1
Roslevan road leading to Avenue Utd grounds declared as public
Premium
Trevor Quinn at Ennis Court
'Machete teen' on remand has better chance of seeing Santa before Christmas than a psychiatrist
conor james ryan 1
Ryan Line is reopened as Conor & James take seats on County Council
blarney woolen mills 1
Blarney Woolen Mills repay €1.13m to Revenue over COVID-19 overclaim
on the boards launch 10-10-24 ollie byrnes 4
Ollie goes On The Boards to share passion for music
clare lgfa agm 03-12-24 bernie regan 1
Seven new officers for Roseingrave led Clare LGFA administration

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Scroll to Top