Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
126. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide further information on the pub as community hubs pilot programme; the way the pubs in the four counties involved in the pilot will be selected; the length of time the pilot will run for; the way funding will be allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17893/22]
View answerIn line with a commitment given in “Our Rural Future”, funding of €50,000 has been allocated to the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) to support a “Pubs as Community Hubs” pilot programme.
"Pubs as Community Hubs" will explore how the rural pub can be utilised as a space for community activities and services which may not be currently available locally.
Funded under the CLÁR Innovation Programme, the initiative is being rolled out on a pilot basis. The process of selecting five rural pubs in Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Cork and Kerry is now underway and is being undertaken by the VFI. The VFI will agree activities with the respective proprietors and submit funding recommendations to my Department for consideration and approval. The allocation of the €50,000 between projects will be agreed between my officials and the VFI.
The aim of the initiative is to assist and support rural pubs to diversify their facilities during quiet trading times for the benefit of local communities. A rural pub, may for instance, act as a community cinema, become a meeting space for local community groups, or host a book club or arts and craft classes. It might set aside space to promote remote working, show-case local artisan products or highlight local tourism and heritage places of interest.
The pilot is set to run for one year, with a review expected to be undertaken in 2023 before any decision is taken in respect of next steps.
