Concern over continuing pub closures in County Clare
MORE than a quarter of pubs in Clare have closed over the past 17 years, new figures have revealed.
A new report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), has shown a continuing decline in the number of pubs in Clare and across Ireland, with the rate of decline accelerating since Covid-19.
The Irish Pub: Supporting our communities report, based on the group’s analysis, shows a 22.5% decline in the number of pubs in the State from 2005 to 2022 – this represents the closure of 1,937 small and family-run Irish businesses.
DIGI says this decrease sparks concern about the future sustainability of many other businesses in the industry.
The latest data shows an additional 108 pubs closed in 2022, with 14 closures in County Clare - a decline of 4.1%. Overall, 96 pubs across the Banner County have closed their doors since 2005 - reduction of 25.7%
According to the DIGI figures, there were 277 pubs in business in Clare 12 months ago.
Although there was a decline in the number of public houses in every county during the 2005 to 2022 period, the lowest decrease was in Dublin at 3.4%.
The largest decrease was seen in Limerick with 32% fewer pubs in the county since 2005. Roscommon (30.3%), Cork (29.9%) and Laois (29.9%) saw the next largest decreases, with a further eight counties all showing the closure of more than a quarter (25%) in the number of pubs: Offaly (28.7%), Leitrim (28.6%), Tipperary (28.6%), Mayo (27.8%), Longford (26.5%), Donegal (26.3%) and Waterford (25.4%).
DIGI says the data shows the number of closures disproportionately impacts more regional counties and areas outside of urban centres – such as Dublin and the immediate surrounding counties.
Commenting on the report, Kathryn D’Arcy, Chair of DIGI and Communications and Corporate Affairs Director at Irish Distillers said: “The analysis in this report paints a stark picture of a sector that is fighting against continued decline due to a number of significant external pressures – many of which are outside of our control.
"Ireland’s excise on spirits is the third highest in Europe, our excise on wine is the highest in Europe and our excise on beer is the second highest in Europe. We have some of the highest excise duties in the world and the second highest in Europe overall, despite the industry being at the heart of Ireland’s tourism sector and its international reputation as a vibrant destination.
"The majority of the almost 2,000 pubs cited in the report which have closed represent the closure of a small or family-run business, the loss of a livelihood and the disappearance of a high-street landmark.
“We must create a sustainable operating environment for the sector and particularly those in more rural parts of the country who are being disproportionately impacted by Government policy."
DIGI is calling on Government to deliver a reduction in Ireland’s extremely high excise duties which, it says, would make an immediate, positive difference to the hundreds of small businesses in the sector struggling to stay open.
Commenting on DIGI’s report, economist and Associate Professor Emeritus, DCU Anthony Foley noted there are many reasons for the decline in the number of public houses in Ireland - economic and social.
"The cause and impact of these closures requires full consideration given the knock-on impact it has on the fabric of local communities as social outlets. The loss of hundreds of these local businesses, employers, purchasers and community hubs has repercussions, particularly in more rural communities across the country.
“The Irish pub is a significant component of the tourism infrastructure and the tourism experience which is based on hospitality and service provision. There are now 1,937 less locations for visitors to find and benefit from services such as food and entertainment," he said.
Mr Foley added: “If we are to challenge this trend, we must look at factors which influence the viability of these businesses, particularly those costs over which the government has direct control. Excise duty is one such cost. Addressing the excessively high excise duty in Ireland compared to other countries would have a positive effect on the viability of small pubs.”