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Minister Paschal Donohue.
TRALEE Chamber Alliance has slammed the decision to increase the VAT on the hospitality industry.
Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohue, delivered his budget speech in the Dáil this afternoon and outlined the increase in VAT, which will have repercussions in Kerry where one in five workers are employed in the industry.
“Tourism in Kerry’s Capital will continue to grow despite the reckless decision to increase VAT on hotels, B&Bs and restaurants from 9% to 13.5% in today’s Budget,” reads a statement from the Alliance.
“A successful tourism industry has played a key role in the recovery of the economy but we are not out of the woods yet and with Brexit looming, this VAT increase will only hurt hotels and restaurants in rural Ireland. Tralee Chamber Alliance will work closely with the many local businesses who will be affected by the measure with a view to ensuring that they remain competitive.”
Speaking on Radio Kerry this afternoon, Managing Consultant with Tralee Chamber Alliance, Ken Tobin, said the VAT increase was certain to cost jobs in the hospitality industry in this county.
