Hospitality sector hails 'return to spending'

Businesses in the hospitality sector have said they are looking forward to a prosperous 2015 after an increase in business this Christmas.

According to representatives of the pubs and restaurants trade, the boost can be attributed to the retention of the 9% VAT rate.

The prosperity is expected to see a recovery in the more rural areas of Ireland next year.

Head of the Vintners Federation of Ireland Padraig Cribben said: "There will continue to be challanges, but we are seeing a return to spending and a little bit more confidence."