The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is reopening for businesses affected by the latest restrictions.
Those in the hospitality sector also won't have to pay commercial rates until next April.
Neill Kelly, the director of the Factory Night Club in Waterford, says the closure of nightclubs is a devastating blow:
"I'd account Christmas for probably 30 to 40% of your business over the overall trade for the year, because you're open numerous days, you've got events on, you've got a lot on. Staff wages increase, people get more money; it benefits the economy in Waterford as well. It's a huge percentage of our business."
