A local publican has expressed disappointment at comments made by the Finance Minister in relation to the VAT rate. Minister Jack Chambers effectively ruled out a reduction in the percentage paid by the hospitality sector during a visit to Longford on Monday. Speaking during a Budget breakfast briefing in Ballinamuck, the Minister said there were no plans to reduce the rate to 9%. Chairperson of the Roscommon branch of the Licenced Vintners' Federation, Larry Brennan, says he hopes there's a rethink before October 1st. Speaking to Shannonside News, the local councillor who runs Down The Hatch in Roscommon, says the hospitality sector is on its knees:
Meanwhile, Cllr Gareth Scahill, who runs a business in Castlerea, says Budget 2025 must offer suitable supports for this region:
