A Strokestown native has expressed serious concerns over the planned return to a higher VAT rate for the hospitality and tourism sector.
A rate of 9% was introduced during the covid lockdown however it's due to rise to 13.5% by the end of the month.
Last night Irish Hotels Federation President Denyse Campbell met Finance Minister Michael McGrath to demand Government to retain the current rate.
The Roscommon woman feels the increase would have a major impact on tourist numbers placing Ireland with the third highest vat rate in Europe.
Speaking to the Joe Finnegan Show Denyse also raised concern over it potential to add more inflationary pressure on consumers.
''They need to consider, it's 400 million euro in further taxes for Irish consumers and the overseas visitors and it will make Irish tourism and hospitality less attractive, now is not the time to be doing it and its very difficult on Irish businesses to absorb these increases and we've very little room to manoeuvre, as do the public.''
