Heated debate over McGahon motion
THERE was heated debate after Cllr. John McGahon submitted a motion calling for the council to support ‘ the drinks industry and hospitality sector.’
He outlined how the sector ‘supports 2,682 jobs in Louth and is a critical component of our offering to tourists, with tourism spend in Louth worth €53 million in 2016.’
He also highlighted the reduction in the number of tourists from the UK, and the impact this was having on the industry.
His motion called for the council to back the ‘Support Your Local’ campaign in ‘calling for a reduction in excise tax on alcohol in budget 2018, in order to support the jobs, the hospitality sector and the economy in County Louth.’
He told councillors that he wanted the government to ‘ reduce the burden’ of excise on the industry, to go some way towards safeguarding the employment it provides.
But the motion was criticised by Sinn Fein’s newly co-opted Councillor, Anne Campbell, who outlined the impact alcohol has on society, playing a role in a large number of admissions to accident and emergency departments.
She told members that recent figures showed that alcohol related admissions and illnesses cost the HSE €3.5 billion a year.
Cllr. Campbell added that ‘a cut in excise duty is a cut in the money needed to fund these services.’
‘I think it would be irresponsible in the extreme to support this motion.’
She argued that the council should consider offering their support to the cafes which are also a key part of the tourism and hospitality sector and provide a large amount of employment.
Cllr. Marianne Butler said that she agreed with Cllr. Campbell, adding ‘I wouldn’t like this message to go out from the council,’ before asking for a roll call of members to be taken on the motion.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Cllr. Maeve Yore, who added ‘I support the tourism and hospitality industry, but I can’t support this motion.’
But Cllr. Frank Godfrey added his views that ‘ tourists are being ripped off by the price of drink’ adding ‘ We should be more friendly towards our pubs.’
Also supporting the motion was Cllr. Tommy Byrne, who added ‘I wouldn’t dismiss this out of hand as they {the drinks and hospitality industry} are major rate-payers.’
Cllr. Conor Keelan added that the down turn in UK tourists visiting was directly related to the change in the exchange rates.
He said it would be more effective for the council to call for change in relation to ‘ loss leaders’ where alcoholic drinks are sold as part of promotions or discounts.
He argued that these played a bigger part in the binge drinking culture.
Newly co-opted Councillor, Ruairi O Mhurchu added that he ‘could not support the motion’ while Cllr. Tomas Sharkey proposed that it be cut.
Responding to the member’s views, Cllr. McGahon agreed that there was ‘ an unhealthy relationship’ with alcohol in Irish society. But, he pointed out that Ireland was also the second most expensive country in Europe to buy alcohol, adding ‘ so price is obviously not a barrier.’
He defended his reasons for putting the motion forward, saying that he had intended it to go some way towards protecting jobs in the industry.
But he decided to withdraw the motion