Pubs face huge insurance hike – despite year behind closed doors

The heart is being ripped out of rural Ireland by the rising cost of doing business, a publican and retailer in east County Galway has claimed – in the week he was hit with a massive hike on his insurance.

Dessie O’Brien, who owns and runs a bar and convenience shop in Kilreekil, five miles from Loughrea, is facing a 35% hike in his premium – despite being mostly closed since Covid-19 hit in March 2020.

Mr O’Brien paid €3,700 for insurance when 80% of his business was closed for eight months last year. He has been quoted just shy of €5,000 to renew for twelve months’ cover – and still he’s been 80% shut since January.

“I’ve had no claims, no changes to the premises and takings are down. This shows how hard it is for all small rural businesses to continue,” he said.

Speaking to the Connacht Tribune, Mr O’Brien stressed that his was just one example of several small businesses – in retail, hospitality, services and construction – which are facing crippling increased costs.

“We’re lucky I’ve a very loyal customer base that has stood behind me. We were very good to them during lockdown as well, and they’ve never forgotten it. We’re the hub of the village. If the likes of us were gone, not just me, but in every little village, you’re in trouble.

“The small business again is being railroaded. You can’t be negative the whole time; you have to put a positive face on it. But if they stay doing this to small businesses, not just in Galway but all over Ireland, there won’t be many of them left in two or three years’ time,” he said.

Read the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download our digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie