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New tax rebate scheme for staycations welcomed

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AT YOUR SERVICE: Fáilte Ireland's COVID-19 Safety Charter acts as a clear visual indicator to drive confidence among holidaymakers to take a ‘safe’ break in Ireland. Bernadette Randles (pictured centre, Proprietor of The Dromhall Hotel) received the certificate this week. Pictured from left: Josephine O’Driscoll (Fáilte Ireland Team Manager Wild Atlantic Way Southern Peninsulas), Ciara O’Callaghan (Dromhall Hotel), Bernadette Randlesm (Proprietor), Cian McCarthy (Dromhall Hotel), Jenny De Saulles (Director of Sector Development, Fáilte Ireland) and Paul O’Sullivan (General Manager, Dromhall Hotel). Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan

 

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By Sean Moriarty

Holidaying in Ireland is set to become tax deductible as part of a new scheme launched this week by the Government to encourage Irish people to take their holidays at home this year.

The stay-and-spend initiative to boost tourism was confirmed yesterday (Thursday) as part of the July stimulus package following a cabinet meeting in Dublin Castle.

Domestic holidaymakers can expect to receive €125 back on a €600 spend on accommodation and restaurant bills. The refund will come in the form of a tax credit or rebate. The offer is expected to come into effect in October and run until April 2021.

The move has been welcomed by the Irish Hotel Federation (IHF) but they warned that the Government needs to do even more to save an already troubled industry.

“Any and every move must be welcomed,” Bernadette Randles, Chair of the Kerry branch of the IHF told the Killarney Advertiser.

Her family runs the Dromhall Hotel on Muckross Road, which was recently granted Fáilte Ireland's COVID-19 Safety Charter.

As the country continues to progress along the Government’s Roadmap for reopening society and business, intention to take a break in Ireland among Irish consumers is growing. Fáilte Ireland’s latest consumer sentiment research shows that 60 percent of Irish people are now planning a short trip in Ireland in the next six months. However, safety is a significant concern for people.

Responding to these insights and the potential growth in the domestic market in 2020, Fáilte Ireland has introduced the COVID-19 Safety Charter to provide reassurance for consumers that they can book their domestic holiday with confidence.

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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