Rural pubs are a "social anchor" and the government must do all it can to support publicans as they struggle to keep their doors open.

That’s according to Aontú Senator Sarah O’Reilly.

The senator said: “The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) has proposed a tax credit scheme, warning that rural pubs are facing a massive threat unless the government acts in budget 2027.

"Since 2005, 2,200 pubs have closed their doors across Ireland. In recent years, closures have increased to an average of 128 pubs per year.

"When a rural pub closes, it is never just a business shutting its doors as it is often the last meeting place in a village," she added.

The senator explained that the closure of a rural pub also means that a community loses its community hub, its gathering point.

She added that at a time when Ireland has been identified statistically as the loneliest country in the European Union, this is "hugely significant".

"Our rural pubs are where birthdays are celebrated, funeral mourners gather, matches are enjoyed and lonely people find company," Senator O'Reilly continued.

She stated that nearly 190,000 people over the age of 65 live alone. and that rural isolation is a major issue, especially for single male farmers.

"I ask if we can support film, television and gaming through targeted tax credits, surely, we can support the small publicans keeping rural communities alive," she said.