Concern is being expressed that hotels in rural Clare may not be able to survive the recent hike in the VAT rate for the hospitality sector.
From January, the reduced rate of 9% introduced during the recession to stimulate growth in the sector will be abolished, in favour of the previous 13.5% rate.
The move was introduced in last month’s budget and was widely criticised in the hospitality industry, with Clare hoteliers fearing it would damage their businesses.
Clare County Council is to write to the Tourism Minister calling for a strategy to alleviate pressure on the sector and Independent Sixmilebridge Councillor PJ Ryan says it’s vital for counties like this: