Over 114 pubs shut down every year.
The hospitality sector in Ireland is facing a crisis as rural pubs are closing at an alarming rate.
A new report by the Drinks Industry Group reveals that 114 pubs shut down every year due to the increased rate of decline since COVID-19.
In the past three years, the worst affected areas are Limerick, Roscommon, Cork, and Laois, however every county has experienced pub doors closing for good.
Associate Professor of Economics at DCU Business School Tony Foley says it's only going to get worse:
147 pubs in the midlands have closed since 2005.
Westmeath has seen the largest decline in the midlands, with 53 pubs closing, while 47 have shut their doors in both Laois and Offaly.
President the Vintners' Federation of Ireland and owner of Giltraps pub in Kinnity, John Clendennen, says more investment is needed to help protect pubs:
Services are not available in rural areas to help people socialise.
That's the view of one pub owner.
A Drinks Industry Group of Ireland report shows rural communities are worst hit by closures.
Owner of Coyne's Gastro Pub, Connemara, Michael Coyne says more support is needed:
Overheads, Covid and culture change are just some of the reasons behind one former pub owner's decision to close.
Anthony O'Dwyer used to run O'Dwyer's Pub in Limerick - he decided to close after lockdown:
Gardaí Begin Murder Investigation After Child And Woman Dies In Offaly House Fire
Ashling Murphy Murder "Wrongly Accused" Granted Bail Over Theft Charge
Young Boy And Woman Killed In Offaly House Fire
Laois Makeup Artist Warns Of Expired Suncream Dangers
Lynx and Wolves In Ireland Pose Minimal Threat - Offaly Biodiversity
€4.5m Going To Midlands Suckler Farmers
Westmeath Writer Nominated Posthumously For Award
Seven Midlands Hotels Nominated For Gold Medal Hotel Awards
Cabinet Approves Major Expansion Of Midlands Garda HQ And Prison
Memorial Day Honouring Ashling Murphy Takes Place In Offaly
Midlands Town Left Shocked After Death Of Young Woman
Concerns Highlighted On Drones Spotted Ahead Of Zelenskyy Visit
€6m Westmeath Lotto Jackpot Winner Comes Forward
Israel’s Participation Sparks Eurovision Withdrawals From Ireland And Others
Teachers Union Calls For More Permanent Posts Amid Recruitment Challenges
Offaly Garda To Receive Bronze Medal And Bravery Award
Laois TD Questions Effectiveness Of Utilities Commission In Regulating Uisce Éireann
€6m Lotto Jackpot Ticket Sold In Mullingar
Grinch Themed Late Late Toy Show Lights Up the Midlands
Strong Friday Winds Forecast