The company said it wants to open another 500 restaurants over the next decade.

Deputy John Clendennen was speaking after Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the nine per cent rate will be announced at the next Budget.

Diageo, which also owns Johnnie Walker whisky and Gordon’s gin, said Guinness sales have seen ‘extraordinary’ growth in recent months.

The operators of Perry Street cafes, Brian Drinan and Paul Coffey, said they were saddened to have to announce the closure of their outlets.

Chef Darina Allen said protesters’ calls for the government ‘to wake up and listen to the people’ were right.

Business groups have criticised a lack of support in Budget 2025 for small to medium-sized businesses.

Representative groups, including the LVA and Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, will meet TDs and Senators on Wednesday ahead of Budget 2025

Pat McDonagh said the recruitment of staff was 'the biggest challenge' facing his fast food business

Figures from the AIB Spend Trend show an 19 per cent increase on spending in bike shops, with car rental up by 16 per cent.

This slowdown was driven by activity levels in the construction sector swinging sharply from a robust expansion in Q3 to contraction in Q4.