Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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89. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the up-to-date position on the pilot scheme to support community hubs being established in rural pubs which was being run in conjunction with an organisation (details supplied) in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53777/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In line with a commitment in Our Rural Future,I have allocated funding of €50,000 to the Vintners Federation of Ireland(VFI) to support a “Pubs as Community Hubs” pilot programme. The initiative is funded under my Department's CLÁR Programme.

Family-run pubs have served local communities for generations. Falling demand, changes in drinking patterns and cost pressures pose real challenges to these businesses, which are often at the very heart of rural communities This Government wants to support rural publicans to re-imagine a new sustainable future for such pubs.

Rural pubs offer real value to local communities, especially as important meeting places. They also have a key role to play in tackling rural isolation. This initiative is focused on ensuring the viability of these important community assets, while at the same time aims to identify opportunities to enhance their use by the local community.

I am delighted that real progress is being made. Specific public houses have signed up to partake in the pilot. These are located right across rural Ireland in Bawnboy, Co. Cavan, in Moyasta, Co. Clare, in Kilclooney, Portnoo, Co. Donegal and finally in Drinagh, Co. Cork.

They will serve as exemplars to rural pubs the length and breadth of the country and each will approach the community hub aspect from different angles- creating a learning template from which others can follow.

The pilot is set to run in to next year, with a review expected to be undertaken in late 2023, before any decision is taken in respect of the next steps.