A Kerry hotelier say the cost of doing business is a serious concern and he is calling for action to address the issue.
Padraig McGillicuddy is the proprietor of Ballygarry Estate, Hotel and Spa and is also a member of the Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels Federation.
He says smaller cafés, restaurants and bars are the heart of town centres.
Mr McGillicuddy says costs across the board have gone up significantly:
Padraig McGillicuddy says it would be a lifeline for businesses if the VAT rate for the food industry was reduced to 9%: