Extension of fuel rebate a welcome boost for tour companies – Coghlan

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the extension of the fuel rebate to private coach operators, saying it would be a welcome boost to tour companies. The measure was announced as part of the Finance Bill.

“I am delighted that the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, has decided to extend the fuel rebate announced in the Budget to include private coach operators. This will have a hugely positive impact on tour companies operating here, which are so important to the tourism industry.

“This is an issue I have been raising consistently with Minister Noonan in recent months. I also met with Kerry Coaches, one of the major operators in the county, to discuss their views on the matter. It has been clear to me that extending the fuel rebate would be a very positive move for our tourism sector.

“In the year of The Gathering, it is essential that we do whatever we can to attract as many tourists as possible into the country. The Government’s efforts to boost tourism figures are already paying off; last year, for the second year in a row, we experienced a rise in visitor numbers. Furthermore, this is having a positive impact on jobs; the number of people employed in tourism related activities has increased by 7,300 since March 2011.

“I am confident that this measure, which will allow private coach operators to recoup 7.5 cents for every litre of diesel bought, will have a positive impact on the industry and the wider tourism sector.”

ENDS