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VFI Welcomes Fine Gael Stance on Rural Support Initiatives

13-January-2010

The Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) today welcomed the comments by Fine Gael Mayo Deputy John O'Mahony regarding rural pub closures and rural support initiatives.

Mr O'Mahony rightly points out that over 800 pubs have closed in the last three years and the closure of rural pubs in particular is having a devastating effect on the fabric of life in rural Ireland.

In many areas the pub functions as an important community focal point, and provides a great social hub for many people. Pub closures have inhibited social lives, and have disrupted the community spirit and life of many neighbourhoods.

Indeed, it is our strong view that more pub closures will lead to further isolation and fear among the elderly.

Local economies in many rural areas are suffering with the rise in redundancies, the fall-off in construction, the closure of factories, and increasing emigration.

It is extremely important that local businesses such as pubs, hotels and the farming community are supported and that better services are put in place in the regions to attract investment, create jobs and encourage people to live and spend locally.

The VFI also strongly welcomes the proposal by Deputy O'Mahony to exempt rural pubs from VRT who organize and run buses which helps tackle rural isolation and provide a vital community service and this measure would help greatly. This proposal by Deputy O'Mahony is exactly the kind of thing that the government should be looking at to support rural Ireland.

Action needs to be taken immediately to prevent more rural pub closures to stave off rural isolation.