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Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
100 Kerry pubs close since 2005 with US tariffs likely to cause further decline
A decline of 19.7 per cent (99 pubs) in 19 years is reflective of a worrying trend, nationally, that has led to 2,100 pubs closing during the same time period. DIGI say the high cost of doing business was a major contributory factor to the alarming rate of closures with research showing a further 1,000 pubs could close over the coming decade. It added that without immediate action, many villages and small towns will soon lose their last remaining pub, dealing a devastating blow to the economic and social fabric of communities. DIGI has called on the government to use the upcoming budget to introduce a 10 per cent cut in excise. Ireland currently has the second highest rate in the European Union. The report, compiled by Economist and Associate Professor Emeritus at DCU, Anthony Foley, shows that an average of 112 pubs stopped trading every year, with a further 600 to 1,000 closures estimated over the next decade. All 26 counties experienced declines in pub numbers between 2005 to 2024. The highest decrease was in Limerick (-37.2 per cent), followed by Offaly (-34.1 per cent) Cork (-32.7 per cent), Roscommon (-32.3 per cent), Tipperary (-32.0 per cent), Laois (-30.6 per cent), Longford (-30.1 per cent) and Westmeath (-30.0 per cent). The lowest decrease was in Dublin with a drop of -1.7 per cent, followed by Meath with a decrease of -9.5 per cent. Wicklow had a decrease of 10.8 per cent and all other counties saw a 13 per cent or greater decrease. 'The addition of profound economic uncertainty through US trade tariffs and reduced levels of inbound tourism further threaten the financial foundations of family-owned pubs across the country. In the absence of government intervention, we are likely to see a further 600 to 1,000 pubs close over the coming decade,' said report author, Professor Tony Foley. DIGI secretary, Donall O'Keeffe said government could improve commercial viability overnight by cutting excise. 'With Irish consumption of alcohol having fallen to average EU levels, and likely to continue dropping, it is no longer justifiable that pubs should be faced with the second-highest excise rates in Europe. This is on top of a hefty 23 per cent VAT rate. The time for the Government to act is now before it is too late,' said Mr O'Keeffe.
The Journal
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Ireland has lost a quarter of its pubs since 2005
OVER 2100 PUBS – or 24.6% of public houses in Ireland – have closed since 2005, a new report has found. It comes as research indicated a further 1,000 pubs could close over the coming decade. The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland's report shows a continuing decline of the number of publican licenses and the amount of pubs closing its doors. Between 2005 and 2024, the number of publican licenses went from 8,617 to 6,498. The report, compiled by Economist and Associate Professor Emeritus at DCU, Anthony Foley, shows that an average of 112 pubs stopped trading every year, with a further 600 to 1,000 closures estimated over the next decade. The average number of pub closures per year rose to 128 when measuring between 2019 and 2024. Advertisement Rural counties had the highest rates of closure. Limerick, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Laois, Longford, and Mayo all recorded closure rates of over 30% in the time period measured. Limerick had the largest amount of pubs close their doors. Over 37% of pubs in the county ceased business over the 19 years accounted for, Having had 478 pubs in 2005, it now has 300. The lowest decrease was in Dublin with a drop of -1.7%, going from 786 pubs in 2005 to 773. Meath had a decrease of -9.5%. Wicklow had a decrease of 10.8% and all other counties saw a 13% or greater decrease. According to DIGI, the high cost of doing of business was a major contributory factor to the alarming rate of closures recorded by the report. It said that without immediate action by the Government, 'many villages and small towns will soon lose their last remaining pub which would deal a devastating blow to the economic and social fabric of that community.' Commenting on the report, author Professor Tony Foley said that the addition of 'profound economic uncertainty through US trade tariffs' and reduced levels of tourism 'further threaten the financial conditions of family-owned pubs across the country. 'In the absence of government intervention, we are likely to see a further 600 to 1,000 pubs close over the coming decade.' DIGI secretary Donall O'Keeffe said that the government should cut the excise rate in the upcoming budget, saying that the Irish consumption of alcohol has fallen to average EU levels and there is no justification for the high rate. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
14-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Trump tariffs could cause further threat to Irish pubs, with warning of 1,000 further closures in next decade
The research – commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (Digi) – found that 2,119, or one in four, pubs have closed their doors since 2005. Digi – the umbrella organisation for the wider drinks and hospitality industry – has called for the Government to use the upcoming Budget to introduce a 10pc cut in excise duty, which it says was the second highest in the EU. Study author Professor Tony Foley said: 'This report reveals a pattern of pub closures across Ireland, particularly in rural Ireland in recent years. 'The addition of profound economic uncertainty through US trade tariffs and reduced levels of inbound tourism further threaten the financial foundations of family owned pubs across the country. In the absence of Government intervention, we are likely to see a further 600 to 1,000 pubs close over the coming decade.' Between 2005 and 2024 the number of publican licences fell from 8,617 to 6,498, a drop of 24.6pc. On average 128 pubs closed each year between 2019 and last year. The rate of closures is highest in rural counties, with Limerick, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Laois, Longford and Mayo recording closure rates of over 30pc between 2005 and last year. All 26 counties experienced pub closures between 2005 to last year. The highest decrease was in Limerick (-37.2pc), followed by Offaly (-34.1pc), Cork (-32.7pc), Roscommon (-32.3pc), Tipperary (-32.0pc), Laois (-30.6pc), Longford (-30.1pc) and Westmeath (-30.0pc). The lowest decrease was in Dublin with a drop of -1.7pc, followed by Meath with a decrease of -9.5pc. Wicklow had a decrease of 10.8pc and all other counties saw a 13pc or greater decrease. The Government could improve commercial viability overnight by cutting excise by 10pc A number of pubs that shut in recent months include Lizzie Keogh's in Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, The Hole in the Wall in Drogheda, Co Louth, The Living Room, off Dublin's O'Connell Street, and Katie Daly's in Gorey, Co Wexford. The study also referenced research by the Restaurants Association of Ireland which found that over 600 restaurants, cafes and other food hospitality businesses closed in the 12 months from September 2023. ADVERTISEMENT Another 150 closed in the first three months of this year . Digi secretary Donall O'Keeffe said: 'More than 100 pubs are closing every year in Ireland, due in large part to the high costs imposed by the State. Without immediate intervention, up to 1,000 more pubs will close for the last time, leaving their communities without a vital community and tourism hub. Once closed, such pubs rarely reopen. 'The Government could improve commercial viability overnight by cutting excise by 10pc. 'With Irish consumption of alcohol having fallen to average EU levels and likely to continue dropping, it's no longer justifiable that pubs should be faced with the second-highest excise rates in Europe. This is on top of a hefty 23pc Vat rate. 'The time for the Government to act is now, before it is too late.' Digi said without immediate action, many villages and small towns will soon lose their last remaining pub which it feels would be a devastating blow to the economic and social fabric of communities.
