A Laois County Councillor has hit out at what he has deemed as ‘price gouging’ that he says is taking place in the hospitality industry.
Labour Councillor Noel Tuohy detailed the extremely high prices that customers are being forced to pay at a recent meeting of Laois County Council.
He said that ‘massive hikes’ in hotel prices and car rentals are damaging our tourism industry.
He requested that a letter be sent to Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin about the issue.
He requested that the council write to the Minister to ‘express the concerns regarding price gouging especially in the hospitality sector which is adversely affecting our tourism industry’.
He detailed an example of how prices have increased.
Cllr Tuohy said: “We have to stop the damage being done to our reputation. That is hard to rebuild. We should voice our concerns.
“A price for a hotel in Dublin for a Tuesday night was €104, but by last April it was €384.
“Rooms are costing in the region of €300 a night, and there are massive hikes for concerts and events. The cost of car rentals is making it non viable to visit Ireland.
“The hotel industry received significant support in difficult times. It is vital that price gouging be stamped out. They are killing the goose that lays the golden egg.”
Cllr Tuohy received support from his colleagues on the issue and a letter will now be sent to the Minister.
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