A Leitrim Councillor fears that recent comments from the Tourism Minister in relation to splitting VAT rates for Hotels and restaurants sound like more empty promises.
Minister Catherine Martin previously told the Hospitality and Tourism Forum that splitting the two VAT rates could be “looked at”.
However it's understood that “direct” talks on the issue did not take place with Finance Minister Michael McGrath in the lead up to Budget 2024.
The restaurant industry has often lobbied the Government for the VAT rates for hospitality to be split and apply separately to restaurants and hotels with calls being made for a lower VAT pandemic rate of 9pc to be kept after it went back to 13.5pc in recent weeks.
Manorhamilton based Councillor and Publican Felim Gurn says the government have been provided with plenty of warnings as regards the challenges facing the hospitality sector.
The independent Councillor says the comments from Minister Martin is another attempt to kick the can down the road and it could be too late for a lot of businesses when the government eventually do take action.
