Colette Sexton on business

Family-owned D4 hotel weathers the Vat hike storm

John Loughran, owner and director of the Sandymount Hotel, with his son Gerard Loughran Pic: Fergal Phillips.

Following an €8 million investment in refurbishment and new bedrooms, Sandymount Hotel owner John Loughran was expecting a nice return next year. Now he feels those extra profits will be wiped out thanks to the Vat increase for the hospitality industry.

After opening as a bed and breakfast with four bedrooms 63 years ago, the family-owned Dublin 4 hotel has since expanded into a 187-bedroom establishment. It will make a profit of €2 ...