PUB bosses want a €57m State rescue package to save licensed premises across Donegal.
It is claimed that the money would equate to €20,000 per pub and would save hundreds of jobs across the industry.
Donegal County Council this week agreed to support a motion that has called on the Government to consider the rescue scheme ahead of next week’s Budget 2027.
Well-known publican Martin Harley of Cheers bar in Ballybofey proposed the motion on Monday at a full meeting of the council, where he is a councillor.
Cllr Harley said in this motion: “I am calling on this council to support the rural pubs in this county in their submission to the Minister for Finance in the upcoming Budget.
“The rural pubs in the county and country are an integral part of our communities in this county.”
Donegal Cllr Martin Harley of the Cheers bar in Ballybofey said: “Let’s try to keep the gate open.”
He told the other councillors: “The ask from the VFI and the pubs of Ireland is to bring in a scheme where rural pubs would be the biggest benefactor.
“This has a maximum cost of €75m to the State, with a maximum amount per premises of €20,000. This is not to do with the off-sales.
“When we look at rural pubs, we see the jobs that are involved. Since 2005, some 2,200 have closed in Ireland, which is 25 per cent, but 22 per cent of those have been in Donegal.
“We have been one of the counties most affected by it. It’s not just the jobs. Pubs are community hubs, they are supporting local GAA clubs, soccer clubs, boxing clubs, and running events for them. Pubs help communities and local people.
“Some places like Doochary do not even have a pub any more. Ballintra has one, Frosses has one, Fintown has one, Lifford has two.
“These places would have three and five pubs down the years.”
He added: “Pubs are so important to areas. I would like us, as a council, if could get this to the Finance Minister in the next few days before the Budget [next Thursday].”
Cllr Paul Canning seconded the motion and said: “Pubs are the main fundraising hub, the main celebration area, the place where networks and social gathering take place in their local towns. They are an integral part and the heart of the town.”
Cllr Harley added: “There’s no point waiting until towns and villages have no pubs and then we go and look for grants to re-open them. Let’s try to keep the gate open.”
The council agreed to “write to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance” to relay the councillors’ views on the proposed €57m pub rescue package.