A new report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland reveals that 1,829 pubs have closed between 2005 and 2021.
This represents a 21% decline in the sector. In county Tipperary 138 pubs closed during the same period representing 26% of the Premier county pub trade.
All 26 counties experienced declines in pub numbers through the 16-year period.
The largest decrease was seen in Laois with 30.6% less pubs since 2005.
The lowest decrease was in Meath with 1.4% less. Meath was followed by Dublin, reporting a decrease of only 4.3%.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland described the report as ‘alarming.’
The vintner’s body notes the role of rural pubs in providing employment, community spaces and offering an appeal for tourists.
The VFI wants the government to reduce the level of excise duty on alcohol to support the sector saying it could be implemented overnight.
The sector was hugely impacted by Covid Restrictions and many premises have not reopened or returned to pre Covid levels of activity.
The sector has also seen declining sales due to stricter drink driving regulations and changes in consumer behaviour.
Reflecting the rising number of vacant pubs in towns and villages the housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has signed Planning Regulations that will exempt the conversion of former pubs into residential units from requiring planning permission.
The regulations signed by Minister O’Brien extend the exemption to the end of 2025.
For the conversion of former pubs into a home or homes, the pub’s license must have lapsed and a limit of 9 residential units can be produced under an exempted development
