THE IRISH HOTELS Federation (IHF) has called for government aid for the country's beleaguered hospitality industry. IHF president, Matthew Ryan, told more than 200 delegates at a special meeting of members that government help was needed to counter a string of problems - including surplus capacity, difficulties obtaining bank finance and excessive local authority charges.
The federation also wants hotels to be included in the Irish government's new Employment Subsidy Scheme, which safeguards skilled jobs.
"Our members are struggling to deal with decimated revenues while their cost bases have yet to adjust to the economic reality on the ground," said Ryan. "Following years of substantial investment, we have an excess capacity of 12,000 bedrooms which is now exacerbating the situation.
"We are calling on the government to intervene and facilitate an orderly restructuring of the sector in a way that is sustainable and allows our members to continue to be major employers and contributors to the Irish economy."