Clare VFI Chair Hits Out At Rural Decline As 25% Of County's Pubs Close Since 2005

The number of pubs in Clare has fallen by over 25% in the last seventeen years. A new survey by the Vintners Federation of Ireland has found that there is currently 277 pubs in this county , down from 373 in 2005, while an additional 14 premises closed in 2022. The report found that almost half of all rural pubs nationwade have seen a 30% increase in energy bills, with staffing, taxes and insurance also listed among the highest annual costs. Ennis Publican and Clare VFI Chair, Charlie O'Meara says all sectors of the economy and community will be devastated unless the government intervenes.