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VAT reduction a welcome but essential move

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Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has hailed the Budget 2021 provision to reduce VAT for tourism from 13.5% to nine percent as very positive and welcome - but stressed that it was an absolutely essential decision that had to be made in the circumstances.

Chamber President, Paul Sherry, said the fact that the revised rate will come into force on November 1 and will remain in place until December 2021 is encouraging and it puts the building blocks in place to allow the devastated tourism industry to begin what will undoubtedly be a slow and difficult recovery from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is really good news for our hotels, guesthouses and all others involved in tourism which is Killarney’s lifeblood,” he said.

"The saving will be passed on to customers and, hopefully, it will help to attract more people to visit and socialise in the town and the county of Kerry where the welcome mat is always at the door and where tourism is our proven speciality."

The Chamber has also welcomed the new scheme for businesses which closed because of COVID-19 with the Government to make a payment, to a maximum of €5,000 per week, based on 2019 average weekly turnover.

The scheme is effective from now until the end of March next year with the first payments due in mid-November. It will operate while Level 3 restrictions are in place and it will cease when they are lifted but if restrictions are extended, a subsequent claim can be made.

“Overall, in a very difficult year for everybody, with unprecedented pressures, there was much to welcome and some real nuggets of good news in Budget 2021. We in Chamber were particularly pleased with the €55 million for a tourism business support scheme, €5 million for tourism product development and the forward-thinking but essential move that will result in commercial rates being waived for remainder of 2020."

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Boxing brothers aim for European Championship

Killarney boxing brothers, Jamesie and Pa Casey, have their sights set on representing Ireland at the upcoming European championships after a successful spring in the ring. Both national champions for […]

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Killarney boxing brothers, Jamesie and Pa Casey, have their sights set on representing Ireland at the upcoming European championships after a successful spring in the ring.

Both national champions for 2025, the talented siblings are in preparation for crucial national competitions. Pa is gearing up for the junior cadets in three weeks, while Jamesie will compete in the under-18 championships in July.

Victory in these national events would automatically earn both boys an invitation to the high-performance unit, bringing them a step closer to being selected for the Irish team heading to the European championships.

Both Jamesie and Pa follow a rigorous training schedule, working out six days a week, twice a day – before school and work in the morning, and again every evening.

They are currently in camp, preparing for their respective national competitions.

The brothers understand the commitment required at this level of boxing, describing it as a lifestyle demanding 100% dedication, including twice-daily training, healthy eating, weight management, strength and conditioning, running, sparring, and technical training.

The Casey brothers thanked Bobby Enright of Peak Performance Academy for strength and conditioning and nutrition guidance, ProActive Physiotherapy for their support and the coaches and volunteers at Sliabh Luachra Boxing Club

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Killorglin’s RDI Hub to hosts open week

The RDI Hub in Killorglin is inviting the public to an Open Week next week, from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23. They are encouraging people who are curious […]

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The RDI Hub in Killorglin is inviting the public to an Open Week next week, from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23.

They are encouraging people who are curious about what the hub offers, or anyone needing a different place to work for a day, to come and visit.
During the week, people can use a desk for free at any time. They can also stay for just an hour or for the whole day. There will be lunchtime events each day featuring guest speakers. On Friday, visitors can try out the Media Lab with free podcasting sessions, but booking ahead is needed for this. The hub offers a lively space where people can work together.
The lunchtime events include Chris Barrett talking about his Arctic journey on Monday, John Ryan from Gigable on business growth strategies on Tuesday, Gavin Henrick from Brickfield Labs discussing accessibility on Wednesday, Hugh Reynolds from the RDI Hub talking about online marketing on Thursday, and a VHI Wellness Station on Friday. The Media Lab will also be open on Friday for podcasting sessions.
Anyone interested in attending the Open Week is asked to sign up using this link: https://bit.ly/4jlJlD3.

Lunchtime Events During Open Week:

Monday 19: Chris Barrett – Journey to the Arctic on the Fjällräven Polar Expedition
An incredible story of resilience, adventure, and pushing boundaries.
Tuesday 20: John Ryan, Gigable – Go-to-Market Strategy Session
Practical strategies for launching and growing your business.
Wednesday 21: Gavin Henrick, Brickfield Labs – Tearing Down the Accessibility Barriers
Why accessibility matters and how to build inclusive digital experiences.
Thursday 22: Hugh Reynolds, RDI Hub Entrepreneur in Residence – Zero to Online Hero
Explore what happens when a community experiment meets digital marketing.
Friday 23: VHI Wellness Station
Close out the week with the VHI Wellness Station which will give you insights into Body Composition, Diabetes Risk and More!
Bonus Friday Activity:
🎙️ Open Media Lab Access and Complimentary Podcasting Sessions
Explore our new Media Lab and try out a mini podcasting session with expert support.
Sessions are free but must be pre-booked in advance – limited slots available!
For more information, you can contact Megan Daly Tyrrell at megan.dalytyrrell@rdihub.com.

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