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Killarney hotelier warns of “dangerous” VAT increase
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Prominent Killarney hotelier and IHF spokesman Tom Randles says the government’s proposed VAT increase on tourism-related goods could have major ramifications for the town’s tourist trade.
The rates for accommodation and food were lowered to 9% in 2011 to help promote job creation. However, a recent review of the VAT rate carried out by the Department of Finance said the measure had achieved its purpose and recommended that it be reset at 13.5%.
Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, Mr Randles said that such a move would lead to higher prices for people visiting the town.
“If VAT goes up to the proposed 13.5% it would be very dangerous for the tourism industry, particularly in Kerr,” he said.
“It may dampen demand if prices increase. If the market was to tighten up it would be very bad for Killarney. The VAT rate was lowered to 9% in 2011 and that was a great success.
“The current rate is normal in Europe,” he added. “10 other EU countries have a rate of 10% or lower.”
The proposed VAT hike would predominantly affect the larger hotels as most B&Bs are not registered for VAT.
Earlier this year, the TEIR 1 tourism report revealed that 1.1 million visitors come to Killarney annually and the vast majority stay overnight. An increase of 30% is expected before 2025 but if the VAT rates return to 13.5% as proposed, those figures may have to be revised.
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Massive Park Road housing development given green light
A private developer has been given planning permission to build 249 new residential units at Upper Park Road. The development, which will be built on a recently cleared site near […]

A private developer has been given planning permission to build 249 new residential units at Upper Park Road.
The development, which will be built on a recently cleared site near An Post’s sorting office, will include a variety of properties from five-bed houses to single apartments, along with a crèche and over 500 car spaces and over 300 bike spaces.
The development has been welcomed by local councillor Martin Grady.
“Killarney has a massive housing shortage so this is very positive. It will retain young families in the area, stimulating economic growth,” he said. “After 17 years of different planning applications it’s finally coming to fruition.”
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Ballydribeen residents living in fear due to anti-social behaviour
Residents in the Ballydribeen are living in fear as a result of increased anti-social behaviour in the estate. Several serious incidents in the estate have resulted in several Garda visits […]

Residents in the Ballydribeen are living in fear as a result of increased anti-social behaviour in the estate.
Several serious incidents in the estate have resulted in several Garda visits in the last week.
Local councillor Martin Grady told the Killarney Advertiser that residents are “living in fear” as a result of very serious incidents in the last week alone.
One house in the estate was badly damaged when fire crackers were placed inside a letter box.
Another house had its windows smashed in over the weekend.
“It’s a major problem,” added Grady after meeting residents there earlier this week.
One of the most serious incidents occurred on Tuesday night.
A passing motorists had rocks thrown at his car while driving along the bypass whch is adjacent to the estate.
Taking to social media, local primary-school teacher Pádraig O’Sullivan posted:
“Travelling home tonight, at 11.05pm on the Killarney side of the bypass our car was hit by a rock – not a pebble – from the Ballydribben side , which hit the passenger door.
“It was centimetres away from hitting the window where my father, who is visually impaired, was sitting.
“This could have caused catastrophic permanent injury to him.
“The Killarney Garda were on the scene within three minutes.
“They can’t be patrolling the bypass all night.
“It comes down to parenting. You should know where your children are at this hour and be able to teach them what’s funny and what ruin a person’s life or cause a fatal crash.“