News Article - 16 October 2008
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A move by the Irish government to bring in a €10 (£7.77) air travel tax has been criticised by the tourism industry.

The tariff was announced in the 2009 budget from the finance minister, Brian Lenihan, who suggested that it would create €95 million (£73.8 million) for the state in 2009 and €150 million (£116.5 million) in a full year.

Ireland has entered its first recession in a quarter of a century and the tax, which will begin in March, is being seen as a way of helping the country's finances during a difficult period.

However, Eamonn McKeon, chief executive of the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation, criticised the move.

"It would be regrettable even in normal times, but its imposition at a time when the aviation and travel industries are in the most precarious position in living memory is unfortunate and unwise," he said.

Motorists in the country have also been hit by rises, with motor tax rates increased by four and five per cent for cars with engines below and above 2.5 litres respectively.

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