Rising Costs Cast Shadow Over Kildare's Dining Scene, Businesses Teeter On Edge Of Closure

Thursday, 4 January 2024 16:57

By Martin Osborne

Owner of three Gastro Pubs in Kildare describes last 18 months as toughest ever

The hospitality sector is calling on the Government to take further action to prevent the closure of cafes and restaurants.

Paul Lenihan owns three Gastro pubs in Kildare and says it's the toughest 18 months he has ever encountered.

It comes amid warnings from the Restaurants Association of Ireland of further closures due to rising costs.

Meanwhile, local Cafe Owner, Dora-May Cousins, was forced to close her cafe in Newbridge late last year after she was hit with a €4,500 electricity bill.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Dora said she noticed her electricity bill creeping up from last January.

She said she was totally shocked by the figure she was quoted.

Council rates and the rising cost of ingredients also contributed to the cafe closing for walk-ins and sit downs.

She said a bucket of mayo used to cost €21 but before Christmas it went up to €38.

She had up to six staff working for her and was "saddened" to see them go.

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