News
Economic Recovery Plan includes targeted supports for the tourism sector
The Economic Recovery Plan launched by Government today (Tuesday) sets out a range of supports and investment for the tourism industry in Kerry, including the extension of the 9% tourism VAT rate, Deputy Government Chief Whip Brendan Griffin TD has said.
The Plan includes targeted supports for the tourism sector such as pilot events for arts, culture, sports, and live entertainment, as well as restart payments up to a maximum of €30,000 for businesses reopening in time for the tourist season this summer.
“From double CRSS payments to a lower VAT rate, the tourism industry in Kerry is set to get a real boost over the coming months with the launch of the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan," Deputy Griffin said.
“I know that some businesses haven’t had the opportunity to take full advantage of the reduced tourism VAT rate to date, so I’m delighted to see the extension of the tourism VAT rate of 9% until September 2022. This will give businesses across Kerry the opportunity to claw back some of their much-needed lost revenue.
“Many restaurants, shops and local attractions in Kerry have faced huge challenges over the past 15 months, but today’s announcement marks a new chapter on our road to recovery post-pandemic.
“Our economic recovery is going to be rapid; businesses are going to reopen, and people are going to return to their jobs.
“Summer 2021 is a summer we can look forward to, with tourists returning to visit our local attractions and businesses here in Kerry. We’re going to see people back in our restaurants and pubs, our parks and beaches, and our local shops and attractions. The supports for the tourism industry outlined in the plan go far beyond the reduced VAT rate. The commercial rates waiver will be extended for three months for businesses in Kerry, while businesses set to reopen can avail of double CRSS payments for three weeks up to a maximum of €30,000."
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
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