In the last two years, 90% of pubs have reopened since enforced closures wrought by the pandemic.

Many pubs in rural areas do not open Monday to Friday before 5 or 6pm which is space that could be utilised.

Sheila McKiernan, publican, The Keeper’s Arm, Bawnboy, Co Cavan, Paul Moynihan, President, Vintners Federation of Ireland and Wicklow publican and Seamus Boland Irish Rural Link joined the Last Word to discuss.

Catch the full chat by pressing the Play button on this page.