Dublin Bay North TD Barry Heneghan has urged the Government to extend pub licensing hours if Ireland qualifies for the World Cup this summer. 

This summer’s World Cup is due to take place in cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico - meaning most matches will take place when Irish people are sound asleep in bed. 

From Monday to Thursday, pubs are obliged to shut at 11.30pm, while on Friday and Saturday they can stay open until 12.30 in the morning. 

On The Pat Kenny Show, Deputy Heneghan said Ireland has a “very good chance” of qualifying and fans should be able to watch a game down their local if they wish. 

 “We see the UK is already examining extending licensing hours; the Scottish Government has awarded a bank holiday for their first match,” he said. 

“So, we need to look ahead and see how we are going to deal with the influx of people who want to watch the match, support the boys in green, support the team, and if we're going to do it in a safe, controlled manner.” 

Troy Parrott of Ireland reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier Group B match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal. Picture by: Sipa USA/Alamy Live News.

The independent TD urged the Government to begin preparations immediately, as a show of support for the national team. 

“It shows the team that we are fully behind them,” he said. 

“The Government is fully behind them, the people in Dáil Éireann are thinking about them and we really are making it a reality. 

“I've spoken to people across from publicans to managers and to people who are working in the industry of the FAI and people do think we have a very, very good chance of qualifying.” 

Deputy Heneghan added that the extended opening hours would be time limited and would facilitate a much safer atmosphere for people to watch Ireland play. 

“The sensible question is, do we want people doing it in a safe, controlled, licensed environment like a local pub or in an unregulated house party with no oversight at all?” he said.

Main image: A split of Ireland footballers and fans. Pictures by: Alamy.com.