Support for rural pubs in Budget welcomed by VFI

“Today's Budget will help many rural pubs keep their lights on" - Vintners CEO Pat Crotty welcomes support in Budget 2027  

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has welcomed the Government’s decision in Budget 2027 to provide €15 million in support for the rural pub sector, saying it will provide much-needed breathing space for publicans across the country.

VFI CEO Pat Crotty said: “Today’s announcement is a vote of confidence in our rural pubs at a time when the sector has faced enormous cost pressures. We have been making the case throughout this campaign that pubs are more than just businesses. They are at the heart of communities across Ireland, supporting local employment, tourism and acting as a social anchor in our towns and villages.

“We welcome this support for rural pubs. €15m in support is a great starting point and we will work with it. We look forward to working with Government to make sure the support is delivered in the most effective way possible.

“Publicans are already dealing with significant increases in their costs, including the increase in the minimum wage to almost €15 an hour from January, and today’s measure will give them some much-needed breathing space. For many smaller rural pubs, these pressures have become increasingly difficult to absorb.

“We want to thank the Government for listening to the concerns of publicans and recognising the need to support the sector. This is a significant step forward and will give many publicans greater confidence in the future of their businesses.”

Crotty also acknowledged the immense cross-party support that their campaign received saying that it was great to see TDs and Senators from across the House standing with publicans and recognising the importance of protecting the future of local pubs.

“More than 2,200 pubs have closed since 2005. Today’s announcement provides a welcome opportunity to draw a line under that trend and give the sector the confidence it needs to move forward.

“Many challenges of course remain, but today is a positive day for our rural pubs and the communities they serve.”