Lots of room at our inns: Three out of four hotel rooms in Kilkenny vacant

By Jayde Maher

Kilkenny and surrounding counties’ hotels are running at occupancy levels of just 25%, according to a new survey.

The poll was conducted by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), who said failure to support the local accommodation and tourism sectors will have serious implications for the sector that could many years to recover from.

“Hotels and guesthouses in Carlow and Kilkenny provide local employment opportunities, they buy local services, source locally produced food and provide a vital infrastructure in support of local business and communities,” said Colm Neville, Chair of the IHF branch in the South East.

The food and drink industry has borne the brunt of the knock-on effect of hotels running at low capacity, coming at what is traditionally the busiest time of the year sector.

The tourism sector in Kilkenny and Carlow supports 6,200 jobs and generates €163 million for the local economy.

“Hotels and guesthouses in Carlow and Kilkenny provide local employment opportunities, they buy local services, source locally produced food and provide a vital infrastructure in support of local business and communities,” added Mr Neville.