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Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Death of an Irish institution? New Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll reveals how few go to the pub every week
While the local watering hole was once regarded as an 'Irish institution', the study found only 9pc of people said they go to the pub once a week, 7pc went every fortnight and 19pc said they went just once a month. The cost of alcohol in bars is believed to be one reason why many don't pull up a bar stool any more. Meanwhile, Gen Z – those 28 and under – are less likely to drink alcohol at all, with many prioritising hobbies, health and wellness. Michael Kilcoyne, chair of the Consumers' Association of Ireland, said the fact that the Irish pub was no longer popular, is 'worrying from a community and societal aspect'. 'Pubs down the country have been affected badly due to a lack of transport,' Mr Kilcoyne said. 'And in general, the price of alcohol in pubs is too high for a lot of people struggling with high rent and mortgages. 'Others are trying to save for a mortgage and many are living in their parents' box rooms, just unable to afford a night out at the pub. 'This means pub staff will lose their jobs and also impacts the coming together of people as a community in Ireland. 'The pub is where friends, family and colleagues always met and what have we got if we're not meeting up to socialise? A lack of community, isolation, loneliness and a lack of community spirit. 'That's really a very bad thing and it seems this Government has switched off to the reality of what people are going through in Ireland today. 'People just don't have the money to go to the pub to socialise or even go on holiday due to the cost of living and wages not being high enough to meet it.' The survey found 40pc of people can't afford to take a summer holiday this year while 55pc said they could and 5pc were unsure. Pub landlords contacted by the Irish Independent weren't available to talk or didn't wish to comment on the issue. But the CEO of the Vintner's Federation of Ireland, Pat Crotty, a former publican, told RTÉ: 'It's very difficult. The net position for the publican outside of an urban area is that he's dying slowly.' He added: 'Even for pubs relying on tourists, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has shown tourist numbers are down at a time when they should be up.' Mr Crotty said publicans are in a difficult situation with regards to legal and financial obligations, and very few can continue in the position they are in.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Local farmers scramble to save what's left after catastrophic crop collapse: 'We urgently need help'
In January, Storm Éowyn hit Ireland, leaving a path of destruction and flooding. The record-breaking extratropical cyclone was the most powerful storm to hit Ireland since Hurricane Debbie in 1961. Now, the full extent of the damage may be coming to light. According to The Irish Times, Storm Éowyn caused over €500 million (around $540 million) in damages to forests. It also damaged winter crops such as cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, and leeks, per Business Plus, which detailed the devastating effects of the storm. One farmer was deeply concerned about the destroyed winter crop and future summer crop, saying, "We urgently need help on this one." In addition to affecting existing crops, Storm Éowyn could hamper future crops. As Business Plus explained, farmers worry that the ground could be too wet for sowing new crops, leading to shortages later in the year and food price increases. Michael Kilcoyne, chief of Consumers' Association of Ireland, said, "There's a fear that prices in the shops will go up," adding, "It could be that the ground is so wet and has damaged the fields, it'll make sowing crops for later this year difficult." Ireland is rarely hit by hurricanes or cyclones. However, extreme weather events are growing more intense as global temperatures rise, and areas not previously impacted are feeling the effects. Pete Falloon of the University of Bristol shared his concerns regarding crop vulnerability and the current state of our climate, saying, "Crops are often vulnerable to extreme weather, and we can expect to witness ongoing shocks to global agricultural production and supply chains, which ultimately feed into food security concerns." In short, destroyed crops mean less food. Less food leads to higher grocery prices. There's no magic wand to make severe storms disappear. However, it may be possible to reduce their intensity and impact. Strengthening infrastructure with climate-resilient buildings, improving emergency preparedness, planning evacuations, and fortifying homes can enhance safety now. At the same time, reducing pollution from dirty fuels — the primary cause of our overheated planet — could bring an angry planet back into balance. You can contribute to a cooler future by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances known to provide significant savings on utility bills. Should grocery stores donate food that's past its sell-by date? Yes — as long as it's not bad Yes — but only certain foods Only if it doesn't cost the store No — it could lead to problems Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
