Restaurant Body Warns of Further Closures as Local Authorities Destroy Small Rural Restaurants

The Restaurants Association of Ireland has warned of inevitable job losses in rural communities as local authorities continue to increase rates and destroy small restaurants.

Based on a recent business survey carried out by the Restaurants Association of Ireland, it was found that most participants have experienced an increase in their rate charges in the last five years, despite the poor trading conditions. Several rural restaurateurs said that the valuation of rates are on par with large urban towns.

 

The Restaurants Association of Ireland is calling for a reduction in Local Authority Rates and a radical improvement of efficiencies within local authorities.

 

Ireland is the most expensive country in Europe to run a restaurant

 

Restaurateurs pay on average €23,278 in rates per annum

 

Annual water charges vary from up to €12,500 in urban areas to €5,000 in rural areas

 

Water charges set to increase with introduction of Irish Water

 

Waste license fee has increased from €1200 to €4000

 

Many restaurants pay in excess of €20,000 annually in waste charges

 

Restaurants have to deal with twenty-five different agencies and authorities in the day-to-day running of their business

 

 

 

Chief Executive Adrian Cummins is calling for a reduction in local authority rates as many small and rural restaurants are finding the current charges too expensive to trade under.

 

“This is an issue that crops up again and again at every regional meeting- and will continue to be an issue if it is not dealt with. Our industry survey revealed that restaurants trading in rural areas of Ireland are still being charged exorbitant rates, that don’t reflect the trading landscape in Ireland over the past few years.

 

Many restaurants, especially in rural areas, don’t see any return on the rates they pay. Issues like waste and water treatment, street maintenance and availability of parking should be managed more efficiently and effectively by local authorities, but restaurateurs are having to carry the high cost of these necessities.”

 

The Irish Restaurant industry employs 64,000 people (1 in 4 tourism jobs) and contributes €2 billion to the Irish economy each year.

 

Irish restaurateurs pay the  highest catering wage rate in Europe

Ireland has the highest excise duty on wines in Europe

Irish food cost inputs are 24% above the European average.

(source ‘Cost Of Food Preparation Report’, commissioned by Fáilte Ireland)

The Restaurant Symposium, which is being chaired by RTÉ hospitality personality John Healy, features internationally recognised speakers; Peter Kreiner, Director of NOMA, one of the world’s best restaurants, as well as London food writer Joe Warwick and Global Communications Manager for VisitSweden, Ami Hovstadius, who is leading their campaign for “Sweden- The New Culinary Nation.”

 

Irish speakers include John Teeling, founder of the Cooley Distillery, travel and food writer Pól Ó Conghaile, Google Advertising Strategist Andrea Coffey and Helen McDaid, head of Food Tourism in Fáilte Ireland.

 

Helen McDaid expresses her excitement about speaking on the panel, “The quality and authenticity of our food offering now plays a pivotal role in any visitor experience.  With the wealth of knowledge available on the speakers’ panel, this year’s RAI Symposium provides a great opportunity for restaurants to hear about what is happening both nationally and internationally and be inspired to find new ways to create memorable experiences for visitors.”

 

The event is being sponsored by catering supplier Hugh Jordan, and Marketing Manager David Rowland says that the Restaurant Symposium is one that they look forward to every year; “We are delighted to be part of such an important national event that cultivates crucial debate around the latest international industry trends in order to drive the development and growth of the Irish hospitality sector.  For us, the opportunity to interact with restaurateurs is fundamental in helping us to understand their needs so that we can be responsive in an experienced and innovative manner and help bring added value to their businesses.”

 

For more information on the Restaurants Association of Ireland’s AGM and Symposium, please visit www.rai.ie/news .