WATCH: Kilkenny publican makes emotional plea to Government
Anthony Morrison tells crowds that pubs in smaller cities and rural areas (including Kilkenny) are being left behind
Publicans from across Ireland recently gathered with their hospitality and retail colleagues outside Leinster House in Dublin during an impassioned 'Day of Action' voicing dissatisfaction with Budget 2025.
The aim of the event was 'to protest the lack of support in the recent Budget and the ongoing failure of Government to address the crippling cost pressures that are threatening the future of the pub sector'.
Small and medium-sized enterprises from the tourism, hospitality, retail and other sectors used the day to highlight the unsustainable cost of doing business and the lack of meaningful support provided by the Government in the most recent Budget.
Among those to take to the stand and address the crowds was Anthony Morrison, a well-known publican from Kilkenny, who has continually shared the plight being faced by local pubs in Kilkenny (watch below).
In Kilkenny, 49 pubs have closed since 2005, according to a recent report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland - representing a 21.7% decrease in public houses between the years 2005 and 2023.