Leitrim Councillor warns that there are serious challenges facing local rural pubs

A former Publican in the North West says many pubs will have to rebrand their businesses or risk going to the wall in the coming years. Cllr Enda McGloin issued the warning after a new report published today found that In the North West Region alone over 200 pubs have closed over the past 20 years.  In Sligo 45 pubs have closed since 2005.  44 have ceased trading in Leitrim while in Donegal the number stands at 119. The report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland shows a continuing decline in the number of pubs with one in four - closing their doors since 2005. The Fine Gael Councillor says many rural pubs are facing challenging times ahead: