It’s claimed Clare’s tourism operators will have to fundamentally reduce their offering and scale back services to survive following a “really disappointing” Budget 2025.
As expected, there was no reduction to the 13.5% hospitality VAT rate, while the minimum wage rose by 50c to €13.50 per hour, meaning employers will face an additional annual bill of over €1,400 for each staff member earning that amount.
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The Government did introduce a €170m energy subsidy scheme, though, which it claims will support over 39,000 hospitality and retail firms.
But Clare Tourism Advisory Forum Vice Chair and Manager of Durty Nelly’s Bar and Restaurant in Bunratty Maurice Walsh fears the industry’s viability is at risk.
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