Hospitality businesses in the north west region have said it is becoming almost impossible to make a profit given rising costs in the sector.
Garry and Mairead Anderson employ more than 30 people during the summer season in Killybegs at their seafood shack and restaurant overlooks the town’s harbour.
"This year, our turnover is up but we’re actually down in revenue," Mr Anderson said.
He cited VAT as a significant burden, a PRSI increase, and minimum wage increase in recent budgets as well as rising energy and food costs.
"The VAT is probably the biggest problem," he said.
"A restaurant pre-Covid turning over €1 million would’ve hoped to make 7.2 – 7.8% net profit after all the bills were paid," he said.
"Now they are struggling to make a 1.9 - 2% [profit margin] thereabouts.
"It’s almost impossible to make a profit with increased costs in hospitality at the moment," Mr Anderson added.
It remains to be seen whether Budget 2026 will deliver on a commitment in the Programme for Government to reduce the 13.5% VAT rate to 9% for the hospitality sector.
During the summer, the Department of Finance said the cost of reducing the 13.5% VAT rate to 9% for the hospitality sector would be €867.7m in a full year.
It broke the cost down to €134.9m for accommodation, €674.6m for food and catering, €19.8m for entertainment and €38.4m for hairdressing.
At the foot of Benbulbin, in Co Sligo, Mattie Clancy’s family runs Henry’s Bar and Restaurant.
"We’re in survival mode. That’s how we do it. Long days and we keep staffing as tight as we can," he said.
Mr Clancy does not believe a 9% VAT rate is the best solution for small rural restaurants.
"I don’t believe the 9% VAT rate is the right fit for us. It’s too costly, unfair and a blunt tool," he said.
"I feel a grant based on last year’s grant payments should be provided. It’s more transparent, targeted and it keeps local jobs".
Lecturer in Business at ATU Sligo, Fintan Kennedy believes pressure will mount on the hospitality sector to share any VAT reductions with consumers.
"If the Government make a policy change, there is an expectation that will be passed onto the consumer despite all the costs facing hospitality," he said.
"It’s not just to keep the hospitality sector in business. This is all a measure to encourage consumer spending so that we all get a little bit of value out of each of our euros".
