A Galway company has called on the Government to save Ireland’s corporation tax as it is vital for not only attracting multi-nationals but also securing jobs in the tourism sector and boosting the local economy.
As Taoiseach Enda Kenny attends a summit of European Union leaders this week in an attempt to renegotiate the interest on the €85 billion EU-IMF loan facility without giving into demands for changes to Ireland’s 12.5 per cent corporate tax rate, Galway-based company Corrib Princess has said that it is imperative for local business, job creation, and tourism that the corporate tax rate is retained.
Owner of the Corrib Princess Kathleen McDonagh called on the Government to protect the corporation tax in order to continue attracting multinationals such as Beckman Coulter Ireland Inc who this week are hosting their European Marketing Conference in Galway.
“This conference could have taken place in any European city but the decision to bring it to Galway was made by the conference organiser from Beckman, Geneva, Antje Piening, after attending a dinner cruise on the Corrib Princess last year. She was so impressed by the experience on board that she proposed Galway as the preferred location for this year’s conference.
“In these trying times tourism is a very important industry and we are blessed that Galway is such a vibrant city with Connemara on our doorstep, but everyone in the industry must work together to increase visitor numbers to Galway. Ireland’s corporation tax is essential as it helps multinationals like Beckman remain in Ireland, providing essential jobs in their plants in Galway and Ennis and contributing to spin-off jobs in all other industries in Galway including tourism. It is vital that we hold on to our low corporation tax,” says Ms McDonagh.
As part of the European Marketing Conference the Corrib Princess hosted a river cruise last Tuesday evening and there were other events organised which showed off what Galway has to offer. Ms McDonagh said: “Events such as this have a very positive impact on all the tourism industry services - airlines, hotels, restaurants, transport, shops, and pubs - and also provide an economic boost to the city. The crew on board the Corrib Princess, Cava restaurant who provided the catering on board, and the entertainers Carmel Dempsey, Brenda Curtin and their Irish dancer created another memorable night for the conference delegates which will hopefully help secure further conferences and customer visits by Beckman Coulter Ireland Inc”.
