Currys owner calls for VAT cut to combat North exodus

DSG Retail Ireland – the Irish division of the electrical retail group which operates the Currys and PC World chains – has called for a 3.5% reduction in the Republic’s VAT rate.

It is looking for new legislation to help reduce commercial rental rates, in a bid to keep down the numbers of people going north to shop and boost competitiveness in the retail sector south of the border.

A new report from the company shows that – of its customers going to the North for cheaper prices – almost 50% went from Donegal; with only 9% from Dublin, in comparison.