These counties have seen the biggest decline in pubs over a decade
There were nearly 1,500 fewer pubs in Ireland last year than in 2005.
THE NUMBER OF pubs in Ireland has sharply declined over the last decade, new analysis suggests.
Figures compiled by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) show that there were nearly 1,500 fewer establishments in the country last year than there were in 2005.
DIGI’s figures are based on an analysis of liquor licence figures published by Revenue, which showed that some 7,140 premises possessed a seven-day publican’s licence in 2017.
Cork, which overall has the highest number of pubs in the country, saw the most significant decline during that period, according to DIGI. In 2017, the county had 915 pubs, compared to over 1,220 in 2005.
The second biggest decline was recorded in Roscommon, which had 196 pubs in 2017 compared to 254 more than a decade earlier.
Since 2005, the number of pubs in Offaly decreased from 164 to 127, while Limerick lost more than 122 establishments during the period. It had 356 pubs as of 2017.
At the other end of the scale, Wicklow registered only a marginal decrease from 2005 to 2017. The county had 157 pubs last year, one less than in 2005.
Meath was also relatively untouched with 207 establishments in 2017, three fewer than in 2005.
Dublin city and county also registered only a small decrease during this period, falling from 786 pubs in 2005 to 773 last year.
‘Worrying’
Comparing year-on-year figures, there were 35 fewer pubs in Ireland last year than 12 months prior. The biggest year-on-year declines were registered in counties Laois, Cork, Westmeath and Offaly.
Meanwhile, the number of pubs in Wicklow, Wexford, Meath, Longford, Clare, Monaghan, Kildare, Kilkenny and Dublin increased last year compared to 2016′s tally.
In contrast to publican’s licences, the number of off-licences increased since 2005. Some 3,330 premises registered an off licence in 2017, compared to over 2,960 in 2005.
Despite recent growth in some counties, DIGI said the drop in the number of pubs overall is a “worrying” trend and supports are needed to help the industry, especially in rural areas.
Vintners’ Federation of Ireland CEO Padraig Cribben agreed that the decline since 2005 is “a worrying statistic”.
“These pubs are small businesses, mainly in rural Ireland, that provide significant employment and continue to create jobs in local communities,” he said.
“The sharp decline in the number of pubs is worrying and is further evidence of the need to monitor the industry and ensure the necessary supports are in place to reverse this trend.”
A recent report from AIB said Irish pubs need to be taking in at least €8,000 in sales each week to keep their doors open.
