The concessionary rate of 9%VAT for tourism services was ended in to-day's Budget when Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe announced that it is to be increased to 13.5% from January 2019. The increased rate will raise an additional €466m for the Exchequer.

The Minister also annnounced an additional €35m for tourism projects including Greenways, the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's Hidden Heartland and Ireland's Ancient East.