Councillor urges Donegal council to back rural pub tax credit scheme

Donegal County Council has been urged to support a €20 tax credit for rural pubs in the upcoming Budget, after a Ballybofey councillor highlighted the sector’s decline.

Cllr Martin Harley, who owns Harley’s Cheers Bar, told the council this week that the county has lost 119 licensed premises – a 26.3% drop – since 2005, falling from 453 to 334 pubs. He warned that further closures would erode community hubs that support local GAA, soccer and boxing clubs, as well as social events that combat isolation.

Harley’s motion proposes a credit of €20 for every 50‑litre keg of draught beer or cider purchased, capped at €20,000 per premises, with an estimated maximum cost of €75 million to the State. The scheme aims to offset rising energy costs for pubs.

Cllr Paul Canning seconded the motion, describing pubs as the “main fundraising hub” and “heart of the town.” Director of Finance Richard Gibson said the council would write to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to endorse the rural pub submission ahead of Budget 2027.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: ready made / Pexels.