AnGusEire

@RAI_ie I want to pay my electricity bills without needing the government to play politics with grants, like we’re in Venezuela. If I work hard, why do I need grants to cover my electricity? It’s insane!

Though #Budget2025 did not deliver a VAT reduction or other meaningful improvement to the cost base of hospitality businesses that we were all hoping for, the Government did make a €4,000 flat payment grant available to our industry. Members of the Restaurants Association of Ireland should receive the attached letter this week and the Association encourages all eligible members to avail of the €4,000 'Power Up' grant which will be paid out before Christmas. For more information and to register, please visit: mycoco.ie/powerup

@RAI_ie We don’t need grants, as if we were Cuba; what we need are honest costs. The government doesn’t intervene in the market but offers handouts that don’t solve long-term problems. We need real solutions, not temporary aid.

@RAI_ie The issue of eligibility for the €4000 is concerning. Those struggling with rising energy costs and the cost of living often aren’t eligible. It would be helpful to know the percentage affected, as many businesses in real trouble might not benefit

@RAI_ie it’s essential to remember that the €4,000 flat payment grant is not a solution for the ongoing challenges in the hospitality sector. Many of us are still struggling with rising costs and insufficient support. Let's not lose sight of the bigger picture.

@adriancummins sure....Halloween is quieter than I’ve ever seen—like a cemetery. Truly spooky.

Have a wonderful Bank Holiday Weekend Don’t forget to support your local Hospitality business this weekend

@cmaemcclean @adriancummins @MichaelsCoDub @jackfchambers @daracalleary These rising costs impact everyone: families, small businesses, entire communities. This can't be addressed with one-off grants or temporary fixes. It’s time to demand real action and make them face the reality.

@cmaemcclean @adriancummins @MichaelsCoDub @jackfchambers @daracalleary Cost of living, electricity, heating, food—it's not just about restaurants. We're on the front lines, and this is a far bigger issue with no real solutions in sight for a problem that's simply being denied. We all need to raise our voices.

🚨Brilliant Article Dylan McGrath: ‘The cavalry isn’t coming. Restaurants are facing a serious dilemma. It’s incredibly, incredibly tough’ independent.ie/life/food-drin…

@jaunnewsgroup We all need to raise our voices. These rising costs impact everyone: families, small businesses, entire communities. This can't be addressed with one-off grants or temporary fixes. It’s time to demand real action and make them face the reality.

@jaunnewsgroup Cost of living, electricity, heating, food—it's not just about restaurants. We're on the front lines, and this is a far bigger issue with no real solutions in sight for a problem that's simply being denied.

Dylan McGrath: ‘The cavalry isn’t coming. Restaurants are facing a serious dilemma. It’s incredibly, incredibly tough’ techjaun.com/dylan-mcgrath-…

@adriancummins Maybe an extreme measure like a lockout combined with a strike in the hospitality sector is needed. However, considering how divided the sector is, it’s uncertain if anyone would join in. Politicians know this, and that's why they laugh at us.

The last time the Hospitality & Tourism Careers Oversight Group was 18 May 2023 Yes 18th May 2023 What an absolute shambles Still waiting for the Minister for Tourism to publish the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) report commissioned last April

@adriancummins It's clear that we're being ignored. The lack of follow-up and action from the government on key reports like the IPA is a sign of their disregard for our industry. We need to demand accountability and push for real change!

@adriancummins The current situation is unsustainable for small businesses. Instead of just offering grants, let’s focus on creating an environment where businesses can thrive without constant financial aid. We need real solutions, not temporary fixes!

@adriancummins We need electricity costs that are affordable without relying on government handouts as if we were in Cuba!

Businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors have been urged to register for the €4,000 "Power Up" grant, with the registration process open from today. Retail and hospitality businesses who received the second Increased Cost of Business payment can register for the €4,000 one-off grant, once they receive their email from their Local Authority.

@adriancummins We need to address the reality that debt shouldn't exclude hard-working entrepreneurs from accessing crucial support. It's time to rethink these criteria!

@adriancummins Many businesses struggle with outstanding rates from 23 and are unsure if they can qualify. It's frustrating to see how eligibility seems to favor those who are already stable, leaving behind many small businesses fighting to stay afloat.

Celebrity chef Dylan McGrath has revealed the challenges the Irish hospitality sector are currently facing as he noted: ‘We’re trying our best.’ extra.ie/2024/10/24/new…

@adriancummins They’ve made us, the owners of small businesses, believe that we are the problem—that this isn't a global issue. Each of us is left thinking it’s our own failure, rather than the result of the policies being implemented in this country.

@adriancummins I've been saying this for a while. It's good that a celebrity chef says it because it makes it more credible than coming from a 'nobody' like me. But it's the reality. The RAI is far removed from this truth, even though they now share this story.

@adriancummins Hi Aidan, we were there to support, even though Dublin isn’t our 'territory.' But let's not forget the drop in consumer spending and rising cost of living. It’s not just restaurants; shops are closing all over Ireland. It would be great to see you guys come by and shake hands.

A huge THANK YOU 🙏 to all the Hospitality and Tourism business owners who marched yesterday to the Dail. ♥️♥️ This is only the beginning. Today the Independents in the Dail have a motion in support of SMEs, Hospitality & Retail.

@GingerTT @MichaelsCoDub I do believe they only focus on big comp. because that’s their circle. They don't get their hands dirty. RAI is no different—20+ y in this, and I’ve only seen them show up for awards. Never sit at our tables to understand SME struggles. They hear from a few.

I don't think they engage only the privileged few, I just think that conversations are the wrong topics. The fact is that all SMEs are suffering w/ county council, PRSI, and other forms of taxation which has left some people in fear for their livelihoods or retirement savings. The threat of closure from overtaxation, and before your life savings are taken is one of the biggest reasons people are closing as many are at that age in their business and either don't think of selling or have no one to pass it on to w/the same vision. There are many factors, but taxation on the business, and the workers is too steep. It doesn't just affect you, it affects me in my tourism business and how I offer a compelling product. And one I and my clients can trust. Ireland's business model is broken and has been for a long time.