Carlow gets behind campaign to retain 9% VAT rate

Hotels and guesthouses across Carlow are backing a call by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) for the Government to retain the tourism VAT rate at 9%.

The businesses have said that the reduced rate is essential to help further job creation and tourism growth, and the call comes as the government prepares its budget for the coming year.

Tourism supports some 1,900 jobs throughout the county and contributes €47 million each year to the local economy, making an enormous contribution to Carlow.

General Manager Michael Walsh is pictured with employees at the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow. They are just one of the establishments supporting the call to save the 9% rate.