Hotels' rates burden to be addressed today

The burden of local authority rates on the hotel sector will be outlined at an Oireachtas Committee today.

The Irish Hotels Federation is calling for a reduction in the rates to help hotels and guesthouses survive the recession.

The federation says the sector is in a critical financial situation, with occupancy rates falling by 15% and prices falling by 25% since 2007.

IHF President Paul Gallagher said hoteliers were calling for 30% decrease in rates.