A North Clare restauranteur is renewing calls for retaining the reduced VAT rate for the sector.
The rate is due to jump from 9 percent to 13.5 percent at the end of next month.
The 9 percent VAT rate for the hospitality industry was primarily introduced as an emergency measure after the onset of COVID-19 back in 2020.
However, the Government announced in Budget 2023 that it’s due to return to its previous rate of 13.5 percent at the beginning of March.
The initial announcement prompted disappointment in Clare, with suggestions of a positive discriminatory rate for counties outside of Dublin seemingly not taken on board.
Patrick O’ Donoghue of the Monks in Ballyvaughan says businesses will have to reassess their budgets if the change goes ahead.
Ennis Chamber’s CEO is calling for a more concrete plan to ensure businesses in the town benefit from the county’s tourism offering.
There are mixed expectations for the sector this year, with more traffic expected both in and out of Shannon Airport, but with local accommodation proving difficult to obtain during peak season.
It’s understood work is continuing on bringing a number of coach tours to Ennis in 2023.
Chamber CEO Margaret O’ Brien says long term planning to capitalise on the opportunities available for the town is important.
