President’s Report – March 2025

We are all now well into the first quarter of 2025 and what has become clear is that there are still many challenges facing our wonderful industry. To the forefront of these is the continuing high cost of operating for our businesses. Inflation in core food and services has had a dramatic effect on the supply chain. It is vital that restaurants balance the need for competitive wages whilst maintaining affordability for our valued customers.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Irish Hotel Federation’s conference and dinner in Killarney. What became clear is that the continued promotion of our food and its quality is needed now more than ever. The Restaurants Association of Ireland looks towards Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland as we work toward our common goal of providing the best we can offer—both to our local customers and to those who travel to Ireland. Global issues are to the forefront of everyone’s mind currently as we watch the political leaders of the world disrupt the current status quo. The cause for concern is very real and many of these factors are totally outside of our control and we can but only hope that common sense and balance will eventually play its part.

I would like to take this opportunity to make an announcement. I would like to announce Eimear Killian from Builín Blasta Cafe & Bakery,  a successful Café and food production business in Spiddal, Co. Galway, as the new Deputy President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland. I look forward to working closely with her for the next 24 months. Eimear is delighted to take on this role and in particular her hope is “having a woman in the Deputy Presidents role would encourage other female business owners to join the board”. Congratulations Eimear on your appointment as Deputy President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland.

As we enter the awards season, I know cafes, restaurants and food lovers alike will look forward to the Irish Restaurant Awards where the gala dinner will be held this May. To all those who have entered, I wish you the best of luck. I hope to see many of you over the coming weeks at the regional awards.

Once again, I encourage you all to recognise that the real key to amplifying these issues is active participation. It is crucial to engage constructively with the Restaurants Association of Ireland by attending meetings, sharing your thoughts, supporting campaigns, and—perhaps most importantly—encouraging your neighbouring businesses to join.

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