One in four Westmeath pubs close since 2005

One in four Westmeath pubs have closed since 2005.

That's according to a new report from the Drinks Industry Group Ireland (DIGI), which shows a a continuing decline in the number of pubs across Ireland, with the rate of decline accelerating since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Westmeath, a total of 53 pubs (24.9%) have closed since 2005 when there were 213 licensed premises in the county.

Nationally, over 1,900 pubs have closed since 2005, with 108 closures in 2022 alone. The report found that the rate of closures has increased since the start of the pandemic with over 450 pubs shutting their doors during this period, including 349 between 2021 and 2022. In Westmeath, seven pubs have clsosed since the start of the pandemic.

Although all 26 counties experienced a decline in the number of public houses during the 2005 to 2022 period, the lowest decrease was in Dublin at 3.4%.

The largest decrease was seen in Limerick with 32% less pubs in the county since 2005. Roscommon (30.3%), Cork (29.9%) and Laois (29.9%) are the next largest decreases, with a further eight counties all showing the closure of more than a quarter (25%) in the number of pubs: Offaly (28.7%), Leitrim (28.6%), Tipperary (28.6%), Mayo (27.8%), Longford (26.5%), Donegal (26.3%), Clare (25.7%) and Waterford (25.4%).

DIGI says the data shows the number of closures disproportionately impacts more regional counties and areas outside of urban centres – such as Dublin and the immediate surrounding counties.

According to an economic and social analysis of the numbers found in the DIGI report, economist Anthony Foley notes that while public houses play a particularly important role in contributing to the communities in Ireland’s towns, villages and rural areas, smaller local markets and populations mean many pubs in regional counties operate on tight margins marking them more at-risk of closure.

The 6,680 pubs operating across the country are at the cultural and social heart of their communities, supporting social relationships and, community cohesion and social capital, reducing the risk of isolation - according to Foley.

Commenting on the findings of the report, Kathryn D’Arcy, chair of DIGI and communications and corporate affairs director at Irish Distillers said: “The analysis in this report paints a stark picture of a sector that is fighting against continued decline due to a number of significant external pressures – many of which are outside of our control.

‘’Ireland’s excise on spirits is the third highest in Europe, our excise on wine is the highest in Europe and our excise on beer is the second highest in Europe. We have some of the highest excise duties in the world and the second highest in Europe overall, despite the industry being at the heart of Ireland’s tourism sector and its international reputation as a vibrant destination.

‘’The majority of the almost 2,000 pubs cited in the report which have closed represent the closure of a small or family-run business, the loss of a livelihood and the disappearance of a high-street landmark.

“We must create a sustainable operating environment for the sector and particularly those in more rural parts of the country who are being disproportionately impacted by government policy.

“To address this challenge, DIGI are calling on government to deliver a reduction in Ireland’s extremely high excise duties which would make an immediate, positive difference to the hundreds of small businesses in our sector struggling to stay open.”