Thirty-three Donegal pubs closed in 2022

A staggering 33 pubs in Donegal closed their doors in 2022.

Since 2005, 119 pubs have closed across the county - a figure that represents a 26.3 per cent decline in the number of public houses operating in Donegal.

The alarming decline has accelerated since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 with fears that the number will increase even further. 

A report from Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) has highlighted the stark figures.

Economist Anthony Foley notes that many pubs in regional counties operate on tight margins marking them more at-risk of closure.   

There are currently 334 public houses operating in Donegal.

In examining opportunities to mitigate the trend of closures in pubs in Ireland, Foley outlines the impact of economic and finance measures that could support the recovery of the hospitality sector immediately – including the reduction of excise duties.

“The cause and impact of these closures requires full consideration given the knock-on impact it has on the fabric of local communities as social outlets,” Foley said.

“The loss of hundreds of these local businesses, employers, purchasers and community hubs has repercussions, particularly in more rural communities across the country. 

“The Irish pub is a significant component of the tourism infrastructure and the tourism experience which is based on hospitality and service provision.

“If we are to challenge this trend, we must look at factors which influence the viability of these businesses, particularly those costs over which the government has direct control. Excise duty is one such cost. Addressing the excessively high excise duty in Ireland compared to other countries would have a positive effect on the viability of small pubs.”

Kathryn D’Arcy, Chair of DIGI and Communications and Corporate Affairs Director at Irish Distillers has said that the report ‘paints a state picture’.

She said: ‘’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.”