The number of pubs trading in Clare has fallen by more than 30% within the last two decades.
A new report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland which has just been published, shows 114 public houses have closed in this county since 2005, including 18 closures in just the last year.
The bulk of the closures have been attributed to soaring costs such as utility bills, the hospitality VAT rate and alcohol excise duty, and last night industry representatives met with ministers to discuss budget supports.
Martin Baker who bucked the trend of closures by renovating a derelict building to open the Burren Inn in Tubber along with his daughter Niamh in 2022, insists the Government needs to take decisive action on the matter to keep rural communities alive.
Listen to the full interview here
