There are fears that more local restaurants and cafes will close if the Government doesn’t step in.
Many have already shut their doors permanently across the region due to a number of factors including rising costs, the increase in VAT rate and lack of tourist accommodation.
Finance Minister Michael McGrath last week signalled that the 13.5% VAT rate for the hospitality sector wouldn’t be revisited.
But Sligo Leitrim Independent TD Marian Harkin believes that it has come to a stage where an urgent review is needed.
Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom MacSharry meanwhile, says there is a “perfect storm” against small operators which is forcing them to consider whether to continue their business or not:
