Sales of food and drink at military barracks fall again

Sales of food and drink in military barracks are continuing to fall, despite prices being heavily subsidised.

New figures show that sales in the 45 bars and canteens operated by the Defence Forces fell by 6.3% in 2016 to just under €1.84m — down by more than €123,000 on the previous year.

Turnover at messes for officers, NCOs and privates has been on a sharp downward trend since the early 2000s when annual sales of more than €5m were recorded.