A national protest was staged in Dublin today to highlight the challenges facing the hospitality sector.
Members from Waterford were among those who travelled, gathering near Merrion Square before marching past Government Buildings and the Department of Finance to Leinster House.
They highlighted what they say is a lack of government support in Budget 2025 including the failure to reduce the VAT rate to nine per cent.
Business owners have said that soaring energy costs, inflated input costs, added to budget changes such as increases to the minimum wage in January and the introduction of pension auto-enrolment in September 2025, are placing “immense strain” on SMEs, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors.
Cormac Cronin from Bodega and Burzza restaurants in Waterford City spoke earlier on Deise Today ahead of the event.
Orlaith Brady from Gourmet House Bonmahon also attended today and outlined the importance of the day when speaking to WLR recently.
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