VFI welcomes €15m Budget commitment to 'keep our pub doors open' 

Tánaiste says details of how the money will be spent will be worked out with enterprise minister Peter Burke in the coming weeks

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has welcomed the Government’s commitment in Budget 2027 to provide €15m in support for the rural pub sector.

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has welcomed the Government’s commitment in Budget 2027 to provide €15m in support for the rural pub sector.

Tánaiste and finance minister Simon Harris said the €15m will help "keep our pub doors open". Mr Harris said details of how the money will be spent will be worked out with enterprise minister Peter Burke in the coming weeks. VFI which representing pubs across the country said it is keen to be involved in the Government's plan.   

More than 2,200 pubs have closed since 2005 and VFI chief executive CEO Pat Crotty said the €15m announcement was "a vote of confidence in our rural pubs at a time when the sector has faced enormous cost pressures". 

"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," said Mr Crotty.

"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.

"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.

"This is a significant step forward and will give many publicans greater confidence in the future of their businesses."

Mr Harris said rural pubs are at the heart of local communities. "Supporting our local pub helps keep an important part of rural life alive, while also supporting local jobs and the wider community. They are also key small and medium businesses hiring thousands of people around the country, including young people."