"Rural Ireland needs pubs to keep it alive."
That's according to Monaghan councillor and publican, Raymond Aughey who says the pub industry has seen constant changes since the 90s.
Figures released by Drinks Industry Group Ireland revealed that in Monaghan, 24 bars closed between 2005 and 2021, down from 121 premises to 97.
Meanwhile 38 pubs closed in Cavan between 2005 and 2021 with calls on the government to cut excise duty on alcohol to help pubs deal with rising costs.
Speaking on Today's Wider View, Cllr Aughey says in the past, pubs were used as central meeting point for people, but since the introduction of mobile phones and social media, everything is more instant.
Among other factors, he also believes people have become more "health conscious" over the years, and as a result the pub industry has suffered:
