A North Clare restaurateur is warning that tourists will stop coming to this county if businesses are continuously forced to up their prices.
While Budget 2024 has offered a number of supports to small and medium business owners, some Clare proprietors have highlighted the effects that rising fuel, energy and labour costs are having on the viability of their trade.
Included in the government’s €16 billion spending package is a Increased Cost of Business Scheme worth €250 million which aims to mitigate the strain placed on businesses who pay high rates to their local authority.
Under the scheme, 131,000 small and medium enterprises who pay €20,000 or less in commercial rates will receive up to 50% back in a payment next year.
Alison McGrath, who owns My First Steps in Ennis, says while the support is welcome, other aspects of the Budget have put additional pressure on business owners.
One of the most highly-anticipated aspects of the government’s cost-of-living package is the increase of the minimum wage to €12.70 which comes into effect in January.
Patrick Bourke of Patrick Bourke’s Menswear in Ennis and Kilrush says while he acknowledges the need to support workers, the hike will force him to increase wages across the board which will come at a cost.
Meanwhile, some disappointment has been expressed around a perceived lack of assistance for businesses struggling with soaring bills.
Manager of the Monk’s Restaurant and Bar in Ballyvaughan, Patrick O’Donoghue, fears any future increase in the cost of business could be a death knell for Clare tourism.
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