The group were speaking ahead of the introduction of new rules which will close pubs, restaurants and venues like cinemas from 8pm on Monday.
Hoteliers, publicans and restaurateurs say the rules are a devastating blow to the hospitality sector while cinema operators have raised concerns that many will be forced to close.
Representative groups from across the hospitality and events sector say they need urgent financial support in the wake of the announcement and say the rules could make recruitment even more difficult.
Speaking to RedFM News, manager of the Kingsley Hotel and Cork Chair of the IHF Fergal Harte outlines what the rules will mean for hotels:
"We're already experiencing historically low occupancy figures across the board in hotels. And we're now faced with a situation where we can only cater for residents of our hotels as well. So there's no question that it creates another challenge for the industry. We appreciate public health is of paramount concern and that's been our major focus throughout this. But in saying that it's certainly a huge issue again for the industry."
