William Murphy

16 APRIL 2023

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Bru House in Fairview is described by many as a community pub but I don’t fully know what that means when applied to this particular pub.

I came across the following Government press release:

‘Pubs as Community Hubs’ pilot programme to be rolled out in five rural locations Initiative designed to support rural pubs to diversify their facilities for community use Examples include community cinemas, digital hubs, book clubs, arts and crafts workshops and community meeting spaces The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today launched ‘Pubs as Community Hubs’ – a new initiative designed to support rural pubs and communities.

The initiative, which is being rolled out on a pilot basis, will see financial supports provided to publicans in rural areas to diversify their facilities for community use.

Modelled on a similar scheme in the UK, ‘Pubs as Community Hubs’ is designed to utilise pubs during quiet trading times into the likes of digital hubs, community cinemas, book clubs, arts and crafts workshops and community meeting spaces.

Funding of €50,000 has been provided to the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), which will select five pubs in Cavan, Kerry, Donegal, Clare and Cork as part of the pilot programme.

The initiative, which was a commitment under ‘Our Rural Future’ is set to be expanded to other parts of the country if the pilot is a success.