Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
459. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the positions regarding the pilot scheme to support the use of rural pubs as community spaces and hubs for local services as committed under Our Rural Future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73097/25]
View answerMy Department, in collaboration with the Vintner's Federation of Ireland (VFI), introduced "Pubs as Community Hubs" on a pilot basis under the innovation measure of the CLÁR 2021 programme to support rural pubs to re-imagine their existing business and introduce new service offerings with a view to developing a more sustainable and community friendly business model. The initiative explored how the rural pub could be utilised as a space for community activities and services which may not be currently available locally. It was rolled out on a pilot basis in three locations in Cork, Cavan, and Clare. The types of community services which were put in place included the provision of meeting space for local groups, a cinema, and community market facilities. All three locations are still operating and have seen benefits in their respective communities from the pilot. The pilot was to test the approach and any subsequent delivery would be a matter for the VFI, potentially in collaboration with other funding sources.
