THE BUSINESS BRIEF(S)

Cody and ex-Ireland rugby coach Eddie O’Sullivan. The event was presented by Liam Toland while comedian/impersonator Aidan Tierney entertained the crowd.

The prize of two tickets for the upcoming Six Nations meeting of Ireland and England was won by Mel McGerr while the club thanked the Sheraton Hotel, Wines Direct and principal organisers of the event.

Local hoteliers raise VAT concerns

Roscommon hoteliers have once again raised concerns about the effect of what they say is a potential €400 million increase in VAT on Irish consumers and overseas visitors.

Following a recent meeting between hoteliers and the wider tourism industry with Ministers Michael McGrath and Paschal

Donohoe, President of the Irish Hotels Federation Denyse Campbell said: “We are grappling with an ongoing costof-living crisis, exceptionally high inflation, soaring interest rates and very poor consumer confidence across all markets. This is at a time when our industry is facing escalating business costs with little room to manoeuvre.

“The focus of the Government should be on bedding down the recovery over the next 12 months – doing everything possible to safeguard livelihoods and the long-term prospects for our industry. Now is not the time to put tourism recovery at risk by increasing VAT”.