The Meath West TD said:
“This report by those involved in the industry makes for sobering reading. Since 2005, 1,937 pubs have closed their doors across the country, affecting local economies, livelihoods and communities.
“152 pubs have been closing every year since 2019 with decreasing numbers in every county. Cork, Roscommon, Laois and Limerick are worst hit, and rural communities in general, where a public house is a hub that often doubles providing other services are being particularly badly affected.
“The last Fiscal Monitor shows that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment reported a €255m underspend and is struggling to allocate finances, yet here we have a problem at home that will affect jobs, supply chains and tourism without any action being taken by the Government.
“Excise on alcohol in Ireland is among the highest in Europe. Coupled with high energy prices, a cost of living crisis and a Government that doesn’t understand rural communities, this report demonstrates the need to address the burdens of small, often family run establishments which not only cater to locals but are an important part of our tourism offering”.
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