The Government Is Spending €15m 'to Keep Pub Doors Open' - but the Final Plan's Not Settled Yet

'I'd be afraid €15m for rural pubs will go nowhere. Is Ballincollig rural? Carrigaline?'

Cork publican Niall O'Mahony says devil will be in the detail in Budget commitment to rural pubs

The government is spending €15m 'to keep pub doors open' - but the final plan's not settled yet

During his budget speech in the Dáil on Tuesday, Simon Harris said he will be developing a scheme to assist publicans

Press release: Excise duties freeze and misguided pub scheme yet more proof that government has absorbed industry spin around alcohol

Alcohol Action Ireland press release, Tuesday, 6 October 2026 Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI), the national independent advocate for reducing alcohol harm, is disappointed by the government’s decision not to increase excise duties on alcohol in today’s budget, which is compounded by the misguided decision to give away €15 million to publicans. This budget is the […]

Budget 2027: €15m to keep rural 'pub doors open

A €15 million support package to keep rural “pub doors open” was confirmed by the Minister for Finance Simon Harris today (Tuesday, October 6). Simon Harris told the Dáil today as he unveiled Budget 2027 that “rural pubs are at the heart of many local communities, providing a place where families, friends and neighbours can come together”. He added: “Supporting our local pub helps keep an important part of rural life alive, while also supporting…