Almost 70% of Ireland's 5,876 drinks manufacturing jobs are located outside of Dublin, according to a new report published by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI).
The Ibec group, which represents the industry, added that these rural businesses are "highly vulnerable to the fallout of a no-deal Brexit downturn".
The group fears that, given these rural areas are less economically diverse compared to Dublin and other urban regions, reduction in tourism numbers and a tougher export market will cripple these areas.
Hospitality Employment
The new report, which is entitled "National And Regional Employment In The Drinks And Hospitality Sector In 2019", was commissioned by DIGI and authored by DCU economist Anthony Foley.
It highlights how Ireland's tourism employment as a share of total employment is the fourth highest in the EU, after only Greece, Cyprus and Malta.
In addition to this, employment in the industry has grown faster than total employment, and its share of total employment has increased.
At present, as many as 175,000 people, or nearly 8% of all Irish workers, are employed in drinks and hospitality jobs roles.
The report added that growth in employment within the industry has exceeded growth in total regional employment in six of the seven non-Dublin regions.
However, despite the massive growth in hospitality employment, there has been a marked increase in the number of pubs closing down across the country.
DIGI made the announcement as it handed in its pre-budget submission to the government, where it once again called for a reduced alcohol excise tax, which it said would support job creation and business investment.
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Aidan O'Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
