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Fears grow over proposed VAT hike

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Fears are growing in Killarney over the government’s proposed VAT hike for the hospitality sector with many hoteliers warning that any increase could have major ramifications for the local economy.

Niamh O’Shea, who is the Chairperson of Kerry IHF and GM of Killarney Park Hotel, says any VAT increase would hit Kerry hard.

“Hiking the VAT rate would be wrong for Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and without question would have a disproportionately negative impact here in Kerry,” she said. “Tourism is a vital economic driver for our county and the largest employer. We continue to have a major challenge with seasonality and Brexit is just around the corner. We need to be able to remain competitive to survive.”

Ettienne van Vrede, CEO of the Hayfield Family Collection (which includes the Great Southern Killarney, The Killarney Royal and Hayfield Manor), echoed Niamh’s sentiments.

“Tourism makes a vital contribution to Kerry, supporting 15,700 jobs and generating €533m in revenue each year for our local economy,” he said. “Tourism itself in Kerry remains very seasonal. While we have achieved growth in recent years, it has been very uneven and follows a severe loss of ground during the downturn.”

It remains to be seen when or how the proposed hike will be implemented but there may be trying times ahead for some of Killarney’s best-loved hotels.

 

 

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Soroptimist make €3k donation to Rockmount Care Centre

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Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to Nurse Manager Mary Hussey.


The significant sum was raised during the society’s successful annual pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Rockmount Care Centre provides essential support as a dedicated day care facility for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, serving many clients and families from the Killarney area.
These funds arrive at a vital time, as they are earmarked for the centre’s new sensory garden project, which is currently in the design phase.
Pictured at the presentation are Soroptimists members handing over the proceeds to Mary Hussey. The society extended their thanks to the Killarney Avenue Hotel and all those who supported the fundraiser to help make this donation possible.

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Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place

Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This phase of the project, […]

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Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This phase of the project, funded by the URDF, focuses on enhancing the streetscape and accessibility of both Main Street and Kenmare Place.
To allow the appointed contractors to carry out the investment safely, a section of the R-878 on Main Street, stretching from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, is now closed to traffic. This first period of construction is scheduled to run from April 20 until July 3.
Recognising the importance of the tourism season, the council has confirmed the street will fully reopen from July 4 to October 4 to accommodate peak summer traffic. Following this break, works will resume for a second period starting October 5 and running until December 4.
While vehicle diversions are in place, pedestrian access to all businesses and emergency service access will be maintained throughout the construction phases. Kerry County Council stated that these works are part of a wider programme to improve the safety and quality of the town centre and has thanked the public and local business owners for their cooperation during these essential improvements.

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