30/06/2026
9% VAT Cut To Give 'Big Summer Boost' To Leisure And Tourist Centre Cafés - Fine Gael
A new 9% VAT rate coming into effect tomorrow will provide a significant boost for cafés and restaurants operating in leisure facilities and tourist attractions, according to Fine Gael Senator Linda Nelson Murray.
The reduced VAT rate, which has been made permanent for the hospitality sector, also applies to smaller independently run cafés, coffee shops and restaurants based in leisure and visitor destinations across the country.
With the summer holiday season now underway following the end of the school term, Senator Nelson Murray said the timing of the change aligns with peak trading conditions for a range of attractions including soft play centres, swimming pools, sports centres, pet farms, museums, playgrounds and other visitor sites.
Senator Linda Nelson Murray said the permanent reduction in VAT for hospitality also applies to all of the smaller, independently run cafés, coffee shops and restaurants that operate in many leisure and tourist centres around the country.
"Many of these businesses include smaller coffee shops and restaurants, which customers and visitors have now come to expect when they are spending time in any amenity, particularly with children.
"But they can be costly to run, both in terms of staffing requirements and ongoing training required, alongside rising energy and food costs. This reduced VAT rate enables them to continue to provide a viable service that enhances their offering to the customer.
"Jobs in leisure and hospitality are vital for so many communities across Ireland, and we need to do all we can to protect them and our economy.
"In 2025, there were 186,000 people employed in Accommodation and Food Services, with 75% of businesses employing less than 10 staff.
"That's why this reduction in VAT for the hospitality sector will be a huge help to so many.
"This change will be felt by our many coffee shops and docks in visitor centres – many of which are family-run. They have worked hard through challenging times. This cut gives them space to reinvest, innovate, and expand, so their businesses can thrive throughout the year, not just when schools are out for summer."
The reduced VAT rate, which has been made permanent for the hospitality sector, also applies to smaller independently run cafés, coffee shops and restaurants based in leisure and visitor destinations across the country.
With the summer holiday season now underway following the end of the school term, Senator Nelson Murray said the timing of the change aligns with peak trading conditions for a range of attractions including soft play centres, swimming pools, sports centres, pet farms, museums, playgrounds and other visitor sites.
Senator Linda Nelson Murray said the permanent reduction in VAT for hospitality also applies to all of the smaller, independently run cafés, coffee shops and restaurants that operate in many leisure and tourist centres around the country.
"But they can be costly to run, both in terms of staffing requirements and ongoing training required, alongside rising energy and food costs. This reduced VAT rate enables them to continue to provide a viable service that enhances their offering to the customer.
"Jobs in leisure and hospitality are vital for so many communities across Ireland, and we need to do all we can to protect them and our economy.
"In 2025, there were 186,000 people employed in Accommodation and Food Services, with 75% of businesses employing less than 10 staff.
"That's why this reduction in VAT for the hospitality sector will be a huge help to so many.
"This change will be felt by our many coffee shops and docks in visitor centres – many of which are family-run. They have worked hard through challenging times. This cut gives them space to reinvest, innovate, and expand, so their businesses can thrive throughout the year, not just when schools are out for summer."
Latest Irish News
30 June 2026
9% VAT Cut To Give 'Big Summer Boost' To Leisure And Tourist Centre Cafés - Fine Gael
A new 9% VAT rate coming into effect tomorrow will provide a significant boost for cafés and restaurants operating in leisure facilities and tourist attractions, according to Fine Gael Senator Linda Nelson Murray.
9% VAT Cut To Give 'Big Summer Boost' To Leisure And Tourist Centre Cafés - Fine Gael
A new 9% VAT rate coming into effect tomorrow will provide a significant boost for cafés and restaurants operating in leisure facilities and tourist attractions, according to Fine Gael Senator Linda Nelson Murray.
30 June 2026
Ivana Bacik Calls for Urgent Expansion of Domestic Violence Refuge Capacity
Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has called on the Government to urgently expand domestic violence refuge capacity following the publication of new figures showing that almost 1,900 women were turned away from frontline domestic violence services over a six-month period.
Ivana Bacik Calls for Urgent Expansion of Domestic Violence Refuge Capacity
Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD has called on the Government to urgently expand domestic violence refuge capacity following the publication of new figures showing that almost 1,900 women were turned away from frontline domestic violence services over a six-month period.
30 June 2026
May Gas Demand Rises On Essential Services And Business Activity
Gas Networks Ireland's latest Gas Demand Statement reports that total gas usage in May 2026 increased by six per cent compared with May 2025, reflecting sustained momentum across commercial and service industries while gas continued to support the electricity system. Across the commercial and service economy in May, gas demand rose.
May Gas Demand Rises On Essential Services And Business Activity
Gas Networks Ireland's latest Gas Demand Statement reports that total gas usage in May 2026 increased by six per cent compared with May 2025, reflecting sustained momentum across commercial and service industries while gas continued to support the electricity system. Across the commercial and service economy in May, gas demand rose.
29 June 2026
Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme Launched in Dublin
Dublin City Council has today officially launched the Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme at the Rotunda Hospital. Delivered in partnership with environmental charity Voice Ireland, the initiative is designed to help parents across the city transition from disposable nappies to reusable alternatives.
Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme Launched in Dublin
Dublin City Council has today officially launched the Cloth Nappy Incentive Scheme at the Rotunda Hospital. Delivered in partnership with environmental charity Voice Ireland, the initiative is designed to help parents across the city transition from disposable nappies to reusable alternatives.
29 June 2026
Fifth Shared Island Forum Commences in Dublin
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has today, 29 June, hosted the fifth Shared Island Forum at the Windmill Quarter in the Dublin Docklands.
Fifth Shared Island Forum Commences in Dublin
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has today, 29 June, hosted the fifth Shared Island Forum at the Windmill Quarter in the Dublin Docklands.
29 June 2026
Garda Appeal Following Hit and Run Incident at Five Lamps in Dublin
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a hit and run road traffic collision that took place at the Five Lamps junction in Dublin 1 on Saturday 20 June 2026. The incident, which involved a scrambler bike and a pedestrian, occurred at approximately 9.40pm at the junction of Killarney Street, Amiens Street, and North Strand Road.
Garda Appeal Following Hit and Run Incident at Five Lamps in Dublin
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a hit and run road traffic collision that took place at the Five Lamps junction in Dublin 1 on Saturday 20 June 2026. The incident, which involved a scrambler bike and a pedestrian, occurred at approximately 9.40pm at the junction of Killarney Street, Amiens Street, and North Strand Road.
26 June 2026
LDA And Dublin City Council To Begin Building 137 Homes
The Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dublin City Council (DCC) are set to commence construction of 137 new homes at Cherry Orchard Point in west Dublin. These homes form Phase 2 of Cherry Orchard Point, a new neighbourhood in Dublin 10 being delivered by the LDA in partnership with DCC that will provide more than 1,200 homes in total.
LDA And Dublin City Council To Begin Building 137 Homes
The Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dublin City Council (DCC) are set to commence construction of 137 new homes at Cherry Orchard Point in west Dublin. These homes form Phase 2 of Cherry Orchard Point, a new neighbourhood in Dublin 10 being delivered by the LDA in partnership with DCC that will provide more than 1,200 homes in total.
26 June 2026
Sinn Féin Nominates Cllr Edel Moran For Deputy Mayor Of Dublin City Council
Sinn Féin has confirmed that it will nominate Cllr Edel Moran for the position of Deputy Mayor of Dublin City Council at Monday's mayoral election. The nomination was announced ahead of the council meeting, with Sinn Féin Group Leader Cllr Daithí Doolan outlining the party's position and confirming support from the wider Progressive Alliance.
Sinn Féin Nominates Cllr Edel Moran For Deputy Mayor Of Dublin City Council
Sinn Féin has confirmed that it will nominate Cllr Edel Moran for the position of Deputy Mayor of Dublin City Council at Monday's mayoral election. The nomination was announced ahead of the council meeting, with Sinn Féin Group Leader Cllr Daithí Doolan outlining the party's position and confirming support from the wider Progressive Alliance.
26 June 2026
Community Groups Facing Financial Strain Without Government Support - Senator Scahill
Community and voluntary organisations are under increasing financial pressure due to rising day-to-day operational costs, according to Fine Gael Senator Gareth Scahill, who has called for the reintroduction of targeted Government support funding.
Community Groups Facing Financial Strain Without Government Support - Senator Scahill
Community and voluntary organisations are under increasing financial pressure due to rising day-to-day operational costs, according to Fine Gael Senator Gareth Scahill, who has called for the reintroduction of targeted Government support funding.
25 June 2026
Taoiseach Announces €230m Shared Island Funding to Enhance All-Island Rail Links
The Taoiseach has announced a €230 million investment from the Shared Island Fund to upgrade and enhance rail infrastructure across the island of Ireland. The major funding package allocates approximately €100 million for critical track renewal projects on the Dublin–Belfast and Belfast–Derry routes.
Taoiseach Announces €230m Shared Island Funding to Enhance All-Island Rail Links
The Taoiseach has announced a €230 million investment from the Shared Island Fund to upgrade and enhance rail infrastructure across the island of Ireland. The major funding package allocates approximately €100 million for critical track renewal projects on the Dublin–Belfast and Belfast–Derry routes.
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Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Partly cloudy this evening with any remaining heavy showers soon clearing away. The rest of the night will then be largely cloudy with the risk of a few showers later. Minimum temperature 12 °C.