The Chairperson of the Clare branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland says it’s a “joke” that Shannon Airport doesn’t have adequate public transport links.
It comes as a number of tourism and hospitality representative organisations are demanding that the next Government addresses the challenges being faced by their sectors.
With Government formation talks progressing, those encountering difficulties in their respective industries are making their concerns known.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland, the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, the Restaurants Association of Ireland, the Irish Hotels Federation and the Licensed Vintners Association have this week outlined the challenges they’re encountering and the measures they wish to see introduced over the coming Dáil term.
Among their asks are for the hospitality VAT rate to be reduced to 9% and for the rising cost of business to be meaningfully addressed through sector-specific measures such as an across-the-board reduction in employers’ PRSI.
From January 1st, the minimum wage will rise by 80c to €13.50 per hour, and Vice-Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum Maurice Walsh, who owns Durty Nelly’s in Bunratty, says this is unsustainable.
Other areas the organisations are asking the next Government to address are the tourism bed capacity crisis, with 25% of this county’s bed stock contracted to the Department of Integration according to the latest Fáilte Ireland figures.
Additionally, the removal of the Dublin Airport passenger cap is being sought in conjunction with greater incentives to travel through regional airports.
Clare VFI chair and owners of O’Dea’s Pub in Ennis believes Shannon Airport isn’t getting the investment it deserves and is accusing the Government of pursuing a “self-serving”, Dublin-focused aviation policy.
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