A Kerry TD has highlighted the importance of pubs to the social fabric of the county.
Fine Gael TD and Government Deputy Chief Whip Brendan Griffin was speaking after the government announced a support package to help pubs, bars and nightclubs last evening.
€16 million euro is being made available for pubs, bars and nightclubs which have been hit financially.
Pubs that are currently closed will be able to apply for a grant of up to €35,000 to help them to reopen.
Kerry TD Brendan Griffin says the funding recognises the economic impact on businesses in this sector and it will help with planning and adaptation for their reopening.
He adds it’s been a challenging time for the owners of pubs, bars and nightclubs and their staff across Kerry.
The Keel TD says businesses remaining closed and planning their re-opening can now receive a minimum of €5,600 and a maximum of €35,000 under the Restart Grant Plus.
These businesses will also benefit from a waiver of court fees and associated excise and stamp duties relating to the renewal of pub and other liquor licences in 2020, as well as a waiver of excise duty on on-trade liquor licences on renewal in 2020.
Deputy Griffin says pubs are an important part of the social fabric of Kerry and the measures announced will help them reopen when the time is right.
