Revealed: Number of Mayo pubs closed over past 18 years
The number of pub closures in Mayo has been revealed.
A total of 135 Mayo pubs have closed over the past 18 years, according to a new report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), which shows a continuing decline in the number of pubs in Ireland.
There are now 2,054 fewer pubs today than there were in 2005.
In Mayo, 135 pubs have called time since 2005. Mayo has almost 30% less pubs than it did 18 years.
The report, including economic analysis from Economist and Associate Professor Emeritus at Dublin City University, Anthony Foley, shows that an average of 114 pubs have closed annually in Ireland over the past 18 years. The number of closures has risen in the last five years to 144 annual closures.
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% fewer pubs in the county since 2005. Roscommon (30.3%), Cork (29.9%) and Laois (29.9%) reported 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 rural counties and areas outside of urban centres.
In examining opportunities to mitigate the trend of closures in pubs in Ireland, the report 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 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," said Kathryn D’Arcy, Chair of DIGI and Communications and Corporate Affairs Director at Irish Distillers
Last month it was revealed that 16 Mayo pubs are to be turned into 40 residential units. The county boasts the nation’s highest number of vacant pubs that are to be developed as housing units.
