Decision not to bring back 9% Vat for hospitality 'devastating for the industry' Cork hotelier says

Michael O’Neill, of Fernhill House Hotel in Clonakilty, said closure of the famous Lennox's in Cork 'the tip of the iceberg' and things were going to get 'worse and worse'

Hotelier Michael O'Neill of Fernhill House Hotel in Clonakilty, Co Cork: 'We’re all gutted. Things were tough before and they are going to get tougher.'

The decision to not reintroduce the 9% Vat rate for the tourism and hospitality sector is “very short-sighted” and “devastating for the industry”, a Cork-based hotelier has said.

The temporary rate reduction came into effect in November 2020 in response to the covid pandemic. It was allowed to expire in September last year.