Offaly hoteliers urge Government to tackle high cost of doing business

Hoteliers from across the country recently met with TDs and Senators to discuss the key challenges facing Irish tourism and the measures required to ensure the successful long-term development of Ireland’s largest indigenous industry.

The event, which was attended by Offaly TDs Carol Nolan and John Clendennen, heard that tourism is supporting over 270,000 livelihoods – including 4,700 in the Laois and Offaly.

The Irish Hotels Federation said a key concern for hotels and guesthouses across Laois and Offaly in the run up to Budget 2027 is the exceptionally high operating costs that tourism and hospitality businesses are grappling with, putting Ireland's competitiveness as a tourism destination at risk.

This is being driven to a large extent by successive public policies which have significantly increased operating costs, the federation said.

Matt O’Connor, President of the Irish Hotels Federation, commented: "Tourism and hospitality businesses are struggling to deal with unsustainable operating costs that are putting enormous pressure on margins.

"This is a serious challenge for our sector, including the local tourism economy here in Laois and Offaly. It is essential that Budget 2027 delivers targeted measures as part of efforts to offset some of these Government-controlled costs and enhance the cost competitiveness and viability of our sector."

Outlining the key policy priorities for the industry, Mr O’Connor stressed the importance of decisive action in the upcoming Budget.

The federation is seeking measures such as: A meaningful reduction in Employers’ PRSI for labour-intensive hospitality businesses; Measures to tackle excessive business costs, including energy network charges; Support for the development of hotel staff accommodation; Enhanced resources for hotel sustainability initiatives; and increased funding for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to deliver tourism growth.