Election 2024: Small business — 'They've an abundance of money, but have done nothing to help hospitality'

Barry McLaughlin, owner of Poachers Restaurant in Bandon, Co Cork, said this is the first time he has seen a Government 'so disconnected from the needs of our industry'

Barry McLaughlin at his his Restaurant, Poachers, on the Clonakilty Road in Bandon Co-Cork. He said much of the sector’s lobbying efforts have been focused on trying to get the Vat reduction back but the challenges outside of that are still 'so significant'. Picture: Noel Sweeney

Political parties, particularly those in Government, must acknowledge that the hospitality industry needs more support and what has already been offered is “really low level” and “unimpactful”, a Cork-based restaurant owner has said.

With the election campaign in full swing, various small and medium-sized businesses will be seeking assurances of supports from political parties should they get into office. The hospitality sector, which has been struggling since the pandemic ended and the inflation surge began, has been among the loudest calling for Government assistance.