Carlow hoteliers congratulate Simon Harris on Taoiseach election

On behalf of hotels and guesthouses in Carlow, Patrick Kickham-Lennon, Chair of the South East Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has congratulated Simon Harris, TD on his election as Taoiseach.

“I would like to congratulate Simon Harris on becoming Taoiseach," Mr Kickham-Lennon said.

"He has been a firm supporter of Irish tourism throughout his career, and we look forward to continuing to work with him and his colleagues in Government to address the challenges now facing our industry, including in relation to business costs.”

Mr Kickham-Lennon called for a "decisive Government response" to offset the impact of policy-driven cost increases and to bring the industry onto a more stable footing, calling for a review of the increase in tourism VAT, a widening of the existing business supports scheme and a restructuring of employers’ PRSI.

“Ireland’s very high cost of doing business is particularly acute for our industry given its labour-intensive nature. In hotels, for example, labour costs are 35-45% of turnover and are continuing to rise as a result of Government-controlled employment-related measures coming into effect in close succession," he continued.

The IHF statement also said that it was "essential that the right conditions are in place to secure the long-term, sustainable development" of tourism and hospitality which accounts for almost 7,000 jobs in Waterford. 

Mr Kickham-Lennon thanked former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, TD, for his commitment and support for Irish tourism during his tenure in Government, including as Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Tourism and Minister for Enterprise.