Eoghan O'Mara Walsh: The Budget provides Government with the chance to prioritise indigenous businesses

The Apple tax saga has shown both how vulnerable and dependent Ireland is on multinationals. It’s high-time that the Government supported domestic home-grown sectors

It would be an awful shame if many tourism towns on the Western seaboard continue to be hollowed out by hospitality closures due to high costs.

With just a week to go before Budget 2025 business leaders are keenly awaiting the tax and spend decisions of Ministers Jack Chambers and Paschal Donohoe. There is a concern though amongst many that, with an election in mind, goodies will be disproportionately dispersed to the public while some serious economic concerns won’t get proper attention.

Of most priority is Ireland’s eroding competitiveness and the mounting evidence that the cost-base of business across all sectors has risen alarmingly. This is particularly so for the Irish tourism industry, the country’s largest indigenous sector and biggest regional employer.