Una Mullally: The 9% VAT battle is lost, but here are 4 ideas to help save the hospitality industry

Davy Byrnes bar and restaurant in Dublin, where Leopold Bloom, in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses, partook of a 'gorgonzola sandwich and a glass of Burgundy'. The State should propose the traditional Irish pub for inclusion on the Unesco list of intangible cultural heritage. Photograph: Ellius Grace/The New York Times

The upshot is that independent spots will continue to close. In Dublin especially, generic international chains and brands will fill the empty spaces. Elsewhere in Ireland, they might not fill at all. While lobbying has mobilised restaurateurs and cafe owners, the 9 per cent VAT campaign was not successful. Rising costs are a fundamental. But we also need new nationwide ideas that at least attempt to generate better conditions for independent restaurants to thrive.When you’re struggling to make ends meet, it’s hard to watch the Government throwing cash aroundListen | 39:50

For an initiative like this, it’s crucial that restaurants and cafes don’t end up overstretched or footing the bill in order to participate. At least two Government departments could help fund supports for this; tourism and culture, and enterprise. Do it in January when business is slowest. Provide free public transport nationwide. It doesn’t need to be a corny brand-fest, but something with integrity and character.

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