Sean Canney TD has criticised the government for their lack of support for rural pubs, saying these establishments have been abandoned.
The East Galway TD said that the latest offering of supports are designed to merely give the impression that pubs are being supported.
“The pubs along with their staff are being treated with contempt. The latest announcement will give a paltry €1,400 to most rural pubs,” said Deputy Canney.
He said that these publicans still have to maintain their pubs, pay insurance, pay security cost and electricity bills.
“They have paid for stock they cannot sell on,” he added. “Their income stream and that of their families is now a paltry amount. The Government have kept the pubs guessing when they might open.
“Again, we see mixed messages from Government on this.
“The Government need to come clean and give proper direction to publicans. The Government also need to implement a comprehensive support scheme otherwise many of these family pubs will never open their doors again.”
