'Exorbitant prices' may damage Mayo town's tourism trade

A Westport councillor says local hotels and restaurants need to "cop themselves on" if they are to avoid losing business over their high prices.

Independent Cllr John O'Malley told a recent meeting of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District that businesses in the town are losing footfall because they are charging "exorbitant" prices for food and accommodation. Cllr O'Malley cited a recent survey showing that over 60% of Irish people would prefer to holiday abroad rather than take a so-called staycation.

"I know of one person who came to Westport and was charged €235 for one night. That sort of thing puts people off when they can go abroad and spend less and get better weather.

"I had dinner out in Westport recently and paid €24 and I was still hungry afterward," he said.

Cllr O'Malley fears the current prices will have a devastating impact on tourism in Westport.

"It is time for businesspeople to cop themselves," he added.

Fine Gael Cllr Peter Flynn said he wanted to add a little "caution" to his colleague's comments.

"To be fair to business owners, they have been through a lot, when you consider energy costs and the increase to our minimum wage, which is the highest in Europe. That increase has to be borne by business owners.

"The VAT rate has gone from 9.5 to 13.5% and that was a ridiculous decision by the Government and I am part of that party. There is also a rate increase that has fallen onto many businesses around the county," said Cllr Flynn.