Clare Publicans Warn Of Risk To Vital Social Fabric Amid Tidal Wave Of Closures

Clare FM

It's claimed the beating life and soul of Clare is at risk due to the rampant increase of pub closures. New figures show the number of public houses trading in this county has fallen by over 30% since 2005. The sound of traditional Irish music and craic that was the once the beating drum of towns and villages across Clare has been fading rapidly within the last two decades. A new report by the Drinks Industry of Ireland which has just been published, shows that since 2005, 114 of this county's public houses have closed their doors. 18 of these closures occurred last year, which is a 28% increase on the amount that ceased trading in 2022 alone. One North Clare establishment is determined to buck this trend though, having been taken from a derelict building to a thriving community hub in just the space of two years. In the last two decades alone, Tubber has lost three shops, a post office and pub, and Co-Owner of the Burren Inn, Niamh Baker says the increasing costs facing the industry are challenging. Nationally, Ireland now has over 2,000 fewer pubs than in 2005 and according to the Drinks Industry Group a quarter of existing firms have sustained a 20% - 30% increase to their business costs in the last two years. Last night, pub, hotel and restaurant industry representatives met with senior cabinet ministers to discuss potential supports in budget 2025. Among the biggest bones of contention are the 13.5% hospitality VAT rate, Ireland's rate of alcohol excise duty, which is the second highest in the EU and another expected increase to the minimum wage. Pat Coffey of Power's Pub in Clarecastle insists if publicans aren't supported, a vital and unique element of Ireland's social fabric will be at risk.