Simon Harris estimates the cost of the reducing the VAT rate for food to around €500m.
Hotel rooms won't be included in the VAT rate reduction for the hospitality sector.
That's according to Tánaiste Simon Harris who says the rate cut will come for the rest of hospitality.
But that could be delayed towards the middle of next year.
Speaking at the Fine Gael think-in in Mullingar Simon Harris says the measure is important for the sector:
Funeral For Former Midlands Minister Takes Place
Paddy Cooney was remembered as a "kind" man during his funeral mass today in Athlone.
Four Westmeath Men On Bail Following Violent Street Incident
The four men are awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty.
Laois Woman Named Patient Champion
She underwent open heart surgery.
Laois TD Calls Out Government Over Long Awaited School Upgrades
Facilities aren't expected to open until around 2028.
Westmeath Artist Awarded €30k Residency
Nicole Flattery is being appointed the Arts Council Writer in Residence.
Offaly Boy Killed In Firebomb Attack To Be Laid To Rest Tomorrow
The Funerals of Mary and Tadhg will take place this week.
"The Light Will Always Outshine The Darkness" - Offaly Community In Mourning
Derry Rovers Football Club held a walk of light against drugs on Wednesday night.
Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses After Westmeath Crash Leaves Man In Serious Condition
The man has been airlifted to Beaumont Hospital.
Gardaí Release Footage Of Offaly Arson Attack
The incident took place in Castleview Park in Edenderry last Saturday evening.
Post Mortems Completed After Fatal Arson Attack In Offaly
Results of the post mortem are not being released.
Emergency Services At Scene Of Westmeath Crash
The incident took place around 1:35pm this afternoon.
A Merry Mix Of Christmas Cheer Across the Midlands
Your go to guide for all local things festive and fun this Christmastime.
Government Infrastructure Taskforce Member Highlights Importance Of Scheme
Former IDA chair, Athlone's Fergal O'Rourke is a member of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce.
Westmeath Town On Track To Become Ireland’s First Fully Green City By 2040
Plans for Athlone were developed over the summer.
Athlone Mayor Welcomes Living City Scheme Timeline
The Tanaiste has confirmed Athlone's addition to the scheme for June 2026.
Record Increase In Laois Home Planning Approvals In Third Quarter
Offaly and Westmeath experienced swift decreases.
ASTI Warns Teacher Shortages Threaten Education In Laois And Across Ireland
Schools are increasingly turning to under qualified or out-of-field teachers.
Calls Grow For Improved Public Transport In Laois Town
An extra €208 million nationwide to improve services is being promised by the government.
IFA President Pushes For Government Action On Mercosur Investigation
The investigation uncovered unregulated use of antibiotics in Brazil's beef production.
Benefits Of Government Infrastructure Plan Will Take Time - Midland Steel
The Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan is underway to cut building delays.
