Support your Local campaign launches in Limerick

THE DRINKS industry accounts for more than 2,100 jobs in Limerick city, it was revealed at the Limerick launch of the drink industry’s major national campaign, entitled Support Your Local.

A national report has found that in total 3,558 jobs are associated with the drinks industry in Limerick, across 408 pubs and hotels.

The campaign is designed to highlight the significant financial and social contribution made by the Irish drinks industry all around the country, including buying €8.1m worth of agricultural inputs from Limerick, and accounting for wages of €83m in Limerick.

Election candidate Jerry O’Dea, of the Mulgrave Street bar, where the report was launched, said in recent years “it has almost become a shameful thing to say you’re a publican”, but the third-generation publican said he does not personally feel this.

“The pub is very much a part of our community. The more we involve ourselves with the community, the more it comes back. A pub is not just a pub anymore - it’s an entertainment venue,” he said.

Mike McDonnell, of the Wine Buff on Mallow Street in the city, said “it’s vital that we promote a sustainable future for everyone who works in the importation, distribution, sale or serving of wine.”

Ger Callanan, of the Glen Tavern on Glentworth Street, the pub trade has moved on dramatically in recent years. “It’s all about craft beers, good quality food, the choice of wine, whiskeys, entertainment. We can’t all do the same thing and we shouldn’t.”