Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty has blasted price-gouging by hotels in Dublin over the next two weekends as “absolutely scandalous”.
Ahead of the All-Ireland Hurling and GAA finals, Deputy Doherty says it’s the fault of a “do-nothing Government” that people are still getting ripped off.
The average cost of two nights in a Dublin hotel will stretch well above €500 this month.
Deputy Doherty told the Dáil that many GAA supporters “cannot believe their eyes” when they see the prices they are being charged to book hotels in the capital city.
“They are being charged €450 or €500 for a room for one night, when it is a fraction of that on other weekends. It is scandalous. Those attending the Oasis gig later, next month, will face exactly the same rip-off,” said Deputy Doherty.
Meanwhile, travel experts at On the Beach reveal that a 7-night all-inclusive holiday costs the same if not less (€53) than spending only two-nights in Dublin to catch the game.
Flights and a seven-night all-inclusive 4* stay in Antalya in Turkey, over the All-Ireland weekend, costs €577pp. Meanwhile, for Kerry and Donegal fans heading to Dublin, a 2-night stay in a 3-star B&B hotel in the city centre over the same weekend starts at €300 per person, not including food, transport and a €100 match ticket.
Deputy Doherty said that hotel price hikes are “another example of the do-nothing Government”.
“Will the Government do anything about the rip-off and price gouging that happens every summer?” he asked.
“Whether people are trying to take their families to watch our national games or going to gigs or tourists are coming in, it is scandalous and needs to end.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris responded to acknowledge concerns over inflated prices in Dublin. He said the transfer of tourism functions to the Department of Enterprise is an opportunity for the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, and the Minister of State, Deputy Alan Dillon, to consider what can be done.
“Clearly, there are examples of price gouging and the like. There is a role for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Minister and the Minister of State intend to engage with the CCPC on this matter,” said Mr Harris.
