DUBLIN, Ireland: The Restaurants Association of Ireland has requested action by the government after the number of foreign tourists arriving in Ireland fell by one-third.

Recently released tourism figures indicate that arriving foreign tourists in Ireland fell from 737,600 in August to 582,100 in September.

In a comment, the association warned of the 'grave impact' on the nation's restaurants if the drop in tourism continues.

"The figures, in terms of visitor numbers into the country, has a knock-on affect in terms of the amount of spending in restaurants and cafes, and the tourism industry at large," said Restaurants Association Chief Executive Adrian Cummins, as quoted by Breakingnews.ie

"Also, it is having a big affect for 2024. We are 32 per cent down, in terms of the number of visitors to Ireland. That is a huge discrepancy in terms of where we should be for the economy and in terms of the tourism industry.

"That is something that needs be to be addressed by the Government with immediate effect."

In a related development, it has been announced that restaurants and cafes will not be included in a new government program to provide 10 million euros in assistance to businesses suffering due to the housing of refugeess in tourist hotels.

The National Tourist Development agency announced that restaurants, cafes and gastropubs would "not be included" in the program.

"Restaurants, cafes and gastropubs are not within the scope of the ministerial request, and as such will not be included," according to a letter sent to the Restaurants Association of Ireland.