Connick leads meeting with representatives from Hotel Federation

Wexford Fianna Fail TD, Sean Connick organised a meeting with representatives of the Hotel Federation this week to discuss the challenges currently faced by members of the sector.

“I was keen for members of the Fianna Fail Parliamentary Party to meet with representatives from the Hotel Federation to have a discussion about challenges faced by the sector and possible measures that could be taken.”

“Liam Griffin the CEO of the Griffin Hotel Group who owns the Monart recently voted second best spa hotel in the world and the Ferrycarraig in Wexford amongst other hotels and John Power, the CEO of the Irish Hotel Federation made a presentation to a well attended meeting.”

“The challenges faced by the sector, as outlined by Liam Griffin and John Power include costs of electricity, water and rates as well as over capacity. The cost in electricity was a particular difficulty. Liam Griffin told us of substantial savings he made in cost cutting measures that were eaten up by an increase in his energy bill and in common with many other businesses, hotels are finding difficultly in accessing credit.”

“Hotels are often major employers in rural areas and the closure of a hotel not only affects local people working there, but also local suppliers. The local economy also suffers with these job losses. In addition to this, the rates charged by local authorities are punitive. We heard how €90 million was raised in rates from the hotel sector last year.”

“There are some measures that we could consider to support the hotel sector. For example, in the UK, the British Government have come forward with an initiative to give loan guarantees to hoteliers of up to 75% of the value of the hotel up to a maximum of £350,000. It helps them meet the challenges while continuing to trade.”

“I intend to pass on the results of our discussions to the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Arts Sports and Tourism. Along with my Fianna Fail colleagues, we also intend to set up a working committee to review progress and monitor the situation,” concluded Deputy Connick.