204k rely on drinks/hospitality industry
This emerged during an employment roundtable discussion at Heineken Ireland in Cork today which explored how growth in the drinks and hospitality industry could be fostered to support job creation across Ireland. The data is based on research by DCU Economist Tony Foley which forms part of an employment trail map which was launched by the Support Your Local campaign at the roundtable discussion. The booklet seeks to highlight the job and wage contribution of the drinks and hospitality industry in each constituency in Ireland, showcasing the regional spread of the industry’s economic contribution. In Cork, for example, the industry supports 18,883 jobs and a wages contribution of €416m. In Galway it supports 11,333 jobs and a wages contribution of €237million. Other counties include Waterford and Wexford with 5,260 and 8,159 jobs supported respectively and wages of €110m and €172m. At the Lady’s Well Brewery, the panel consisted of Tony Foley, Cork Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Conor Healy and local publican Sean McCarthy. The discussion was facilitated by Tom MacSweeney. “Few industries can boast such a dispersed presence across the country as exemplified by the employment trail launched today,” commented Michael Storan, Campaign Manager for Support Your Local. The campaign is calling for a 15% reduction in alcohol excise in the upcoming Budget. Cork publican Sean McCarthy added, “The Irish hospitality industry operates at the heart of local communities in every parish, village and town across Ireland. I’m proud that pubs like mine support local employment and Ireland’s world renowned tourism offer.” 
