More than 2,200 pubs have closed since 2005, with the rate of closure increasing in recent years to an average of 128 per annum

VFI said that while the decision to cut VAT on food services is welcome, "delaying the change until mid-2026 is unacceptable"

The VFI said the majority of funds would flow directly to the smaller, traditional pubs that form the "backbone of community life" across rural Ireland.