President’s Report – February 2025

I hope you have all started the year with hope for the future and your business.
We are all aware that a new Government has formed and they have issued their Programme for Government which includes the welcome news that VAT will be restored to 9% on a permanent basis in the next Budget. I acknowledge that while it is disappointing this is not an immediate return to 9% VAT, we welcome this development as it represents a permanent shift back to that rate. On behalf of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, I would like to thank the Government for committing to this return and we look forward to welcoming it in due course.

I firmly believe that we all need to focus our attention on how we grow this industry collectively and individually. I believe it is important that our Association works hand in hand with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland so that together we can outline a medium-term plan for all food-led businesses in Ireland. The RAI welcome the news that tourism now falls under the remit of the Department of Enterprise. We believe that this is a key move by the Government and the next step from the RAI is to make sure that hospitality is also a key part of the tourism agenda. As far as I am concerned you cannot have one without the other, this is why it is vital that the various bodies work as a collective so that we can maximise the benefits for this sector right across Ireland.

The recent power outages across the country due to Storm Eowyn have impacted many businesses. The Government needs to implement a strategic plan for future storms to restore power more efficiently, allowing cafes and restaurants to reopen as quickly as possible.

Once again, I encourage you all to recognise that the real key to truly amplifying these issues is active participation. Engaging constructively with the RAI—by attending meetings, sharing your thoughts, supporting campaigns, and, perhaps most importantly, encouraging neighboring businesses to join—is crucial.

I would like to wish you all success for the year ahead.