Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
929. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to support the pub sector as pillars of rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46977/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile specific supports for the pub sector would fall under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the Government’s Our Rural Future policy takes a whole-of-government approach to rural development, with actions to support the rural economy and rural communities.
I am aware recent figures from the Vintners Federation of Ireland, which highlight the challenges faced by rural pubs and their importance as hubs for social connection and cultural life. I would also like to acknowledge that the Federation made a submission to the written consultation process last year to inform the development of the next iteration of Our Rural Future. All such submissions are feeding directly into the development of the policy.
The policy is underpinned by funding through my department's rural development investment programme and community development programme, as well as an array of funding streams across government.
Rural pubs can play an important role in rural communities in particular. For example, I am very conscious of the challenge of rural isolation, and with this in mind I have put in place a range of funding streams to help address this issue. These supports include the Seniors Alert Scheme, the Local Enhancement Programme, the Community Services Programme, and the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme.
In addition, there is no doubt that our significant investment in Community Centre Investment Fund in recent years has helped to ensure that our rural areas have high quality facilities that can serve as focal points for communities.
Our Rural Future has taken a whole-of-government approach to supporting the revitalisation of our rural areas, by supporting local enterprises, enhancing digital connectivity and improving key services such as rural transport.
The development of the new Our Rural Future policy will continue to provide a framework for continued investment in our rural communities over the coming years to support rural enterprises and rural communities and to deliver on our shared ambition for rural Ireland.
As part of the development of the new iteration of Our Rural Future, I am continuing to engage with my ministerial colleagues to ensure that our ambition for rural Ireland is underpinned by a series of ambitious and practical actions.
