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Fri 02 Feb 2007Rural pubs shutting down at rate of more than one per dayRural pubs are closing at a rate of more than one a day as drinkers move their custom to urban bars and off-licences, new figures show.Almost 440 fewer pub licences were issued or renewed last year compared to 2005, according to the figures compiled by the Revenue Commissioners. This is the steepest decline ever recorded.