Recently filed accounts by Wrights of Howth Group Holdings Ltd show that losses rose as revenues declined by €3.2m from €24.03m to €20.83m in the 12 months to the end of January 31 last year.

The pre-tax loss of €613,391 follows a pre-tax loss of €533,656 in the prior year.

The loss takes account of substantial combined non-cash depreciation and amortisation charges for the year totalling €1.3m.

The accounts show that net cash generated from operations last year was €788,953 which was down slightly on the net cash of €806,862 generated in the prior year.

The directors state that they are satisfied with the results for the year.

Numbers employed reduced from 242 to 204 and staff costs of €6.08m included a termination payment of €124,280.

Staff costs reduced from €6.33m in the prior year.

The main activity of the group companies is the operation of retail and restaurant units in Dublin Airport, the operation of retail and restaurant businesses in Howth, the operation of a pub at Heuston Station and the wholesale distribution of fish.

Revenues were boosted during the year by the opening of a new store at terminal one at Dublin Airport in February 2024.

The Wrights of Howth airport businesses benefited from a total of 33.3 million passengers going through Dublin airport terminals in 2024 – a 4pc increase on 2023 numbers.

On the group’s future developments, the directors state that they plan to continue its present activities and increase trading levels.

The group recorded a gross profit of €11.59m after incurring €9.23m in cost of sales. Administrative expenses of €12.16m offset by other income of €54,178 resulted in an operating loss of €516,189.

Interest payments of €97,202 resulted in a pre-tax loss of €613,391. The business received a capital contribution of €429,722 during the year.

Pay to directors decreased from €303,490 to €274,585.

At the end of January last year, shareholder funds totalled €1.2m that included accumulated losses of €3.63m offset by share capital of €4.42m and other reserves of €429,722.

Cash funds increased from €71,401 to €334,937. The book value of tangible assets stood at €2.27m.