The company that operates the flagship Beshoff fish and chip restaurant on O’Connell Street in Dublin saw accumulated profits increase last year.

Beshoff Restaurants Limited, which is owned by former Small Firms Association chairperson Lorraine Sweeney and her husband, builder and property developer Jarlath Sweeney, reported profits amounting to €325,771 for 2015 as against €210,670 a year earlier.

The firm, which employs 30 people, saw staff-related costs drop to €370,626 from €426,470. Director’s remuneration totalled €43,596, versus €99,515 in the preceding year.

Ms Sweeney owns a broad range of catering and hospitality businesses, including the Summerhill House Hotel in Enniskerry and the Esplanade on Bray seafront.

The businesswoman, who previously served on the board of Hibernian Insurance, also ran the cafes at department store Clerys prior to its abrupt closure last year.

LS Catering, which is owned by Ms Sweeney, launched a legal action shortly after the liquidation of the store, saying her company was owed €46,000.