Slow Roast Loughrea’s frustration as Budget 2025 a ‘devastating day for the hospitality industry’

Slow Roast Loughrea’s frustration as Budget 2025 a ‘devastating day for the hospitality industry’

The Irish hospitality industry is feeling let down by the lack of support announced in Budget 2025 and the Government’s choice to keep the higher VAT rate for the sector. Despite a year of pushing for change and facing numerous closures, the 13.5% rate will stay the same. This news is tough for small cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the Loughrea area and beyond that are fighting to survive.

In response to today’s budget announcement, Slow Roast Loughrea took to their Facebook page to express their frustration. They described it as a ‘devastating day for the hospitality industry. An awful kick in the face to every business that adds value to their community. As always, favouritism is shown to the big multinationals – yet they won’t be the ones to sponsor local sport teams or know their customers by name.

This will unfortunately be the further downfall of the hospitality sector in Ireland. Over 600 food businesses have closed in 2024 so far with an average of 2 closures a day. Prices across the board will increase again solely due to our governments lack of empathy & understanding to an industry already on its knees.’

Slow Roast, located at 12 Main Street Loughrea, is a café during the day and a Blade Gastrobar at night. They expanded and relocated to Main Street in August 2023 (previously Whiskey Joe’s Bar). Despite only nine months of trading, Slow Roast Loughrea won the Galway’s Greatest Coffee category at the Galway’s Greatest Awards in April 2022.

The Government decided not to lower the VAT rate for the hospitality sector from 13% to 9%. Michael Magner, president of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), said ‘The decision not to reduce the hospitality VAT rate is short-sighted and extremely concerning given the stark commercial environment that food service businesses are operating under throughout the country.’

Discover Loughrea and Loughrea Chamber of Commerce is calling on the community to come together and support our local hospitality businesses. Now is the time when our local businesses need us the most. By choosing to dine, drink, and interact with our local businesses, you are helping to keep the heartbeat of our community.

Slow Roast Loughrea, 12 Main Street, Loughrea, County Galway.  

Facebook: slowroastloughrea | Instagram: slowroast.loughrea

Discover Loughrea is brought to you by Loughrea Chamber of Commerce, supporting businesses and community locally.