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Hoteliers defend 9% VAT

The Irish Hotels Federation has defended the €626m-a-year cost to the exchequer of retaining the low, 9% Vat level for hospitality, saying the buoyancy in tax revenues from the additional jobs and business is making up for the lost tax revenue.

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Joe Dolan, president of the Irish Hotels Federation, said the rate was “realigned” to compete with other European countries and marks an investment by government in an

indigenous industry that has created 50,000 jobs in the last five years.

“We believe, over the next four years, we will generate 40,000 jobs,” Mr Dolan said, adding that the 9% tax has kept Irish businesses outside the cities open.

Star Wars trailer shows Skellig

A new, behind-the-scenes teaser video for Star Wars: The Last Jedi has just been released – complete with action shots and outtakes, as well as fo

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otage of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way.

The trailer was released yesterday at Disney’s D3 convention in Anaheim, California.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens broke box office records around the world in late 2015, bringing the magnificent scenery of Skellig Michael and the Wild Atlantic Way to the attention of millions of people everywhere.

Payout for Regency

Thhe Regency Hotel in Dublin has received a net insurance payout of €150,000 as a result of a gangland shooting and its impact on the hotel business.

The payout is noted in new accounts for Regan Developments Ltd. They show that the company recorded a pre-tax loss of €1.82m in the 12 months to the end of July 2016, due to an exceptional cost of €3m.

€16m expansion for Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse has announced details of a €16 million expansion plan which will see the Gravity Bar double in size. With its spectacular unparalleled panoramic 360

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degree views over the city, Dublin’s highest bar has proven to be a highlight for the 16.5 million people who have visited the Guinness Storehouse since it opened in 2000.

Upon completion, the expansion will enhance the visitor experience, allowing the Guinness Storehouse to continue to provide a world-class tourism product, providing visitors with an immersive Guinness experience and a warm welcome to Dublin. Subject to planning permission, it is hoped that construction will commence in 2018 and will welcome visitors by 2019.

Speaking at the announcement, Paul Carty, Managing Director, Guinness Storehouse said;

New restaurant ar Osprey

The Osprey Hotel in Naas launched a new restaurant Herald & Devoy with the help of architect and host of RTE’s Home of the Year, Hugh Wallace, Cian O’Neil, Kildare

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Football Manager and Kildare County Manager, Peter Carey.

The men met the team at The Osprey to enjoy a celebratory slice of cake to mark the opening of the hotels new 130-seater all day restaurant .

Hugh Wallace,was drafted in to transform the Osprey’s former brasserie into the modern space that is Herald & Devoy. The outcome is a relaxed, airy eatery, flooded with natural light and anchored with leather booths and a mosaic cocktail bar. .”