Fears Clare’s Tourism Market Will Be Decimated By Proposed Tax Changes

A prominent economist is warning that Clare’s tourism and retail market will be decimated if proposed changes to the Retail Export Scheme go through.

The current Retail Export Scheme allows tourists from outside the EU to claim VAT refunds on craft and gift items purchased in Clare when they leave the country.

However, the Government’s Brexit Omnibus Bill 2020 currently in the Oireachtas, looks to exclude all purchases under 175 euro.

Economist Jim Power says this will be severely detrimental for Clare.