Failte Ireland announces outdoor dining supports

Businesses Can Access Grants to Create Outdoor Dining Spaces

Failte Ireland, the Irish tourism authority have announced their latest supports for the hospitality sector in Ireland in the form of the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme. The scheme operates in the ofrm of funds ot local Authorieis aorund Ireland to develop infrastrucutre or continuous all round outdoor dining and as is seen as the latest development to combat the effects of Covid-19 on the hospitalilty industry in Ireland.

Following the closure of the Covid-19 adaptation fund in December 2020, the introduction of this new scheme is seen as a further boost to an industry struggling with the impacts of Covid-19 in Ireland. The hotel, restaurant and bar sector are acknowledged as the most affected by the restrictions imposed to curb the spread corona virus in Ireland.

The scheme is available to businesses in Ireland to access via their Local Authorities. Capital grants will assist with the costs of alterations to outdoor spaces around eligible businesses to facilitate outdoor dining. There are two facets to the funding:

• Outdoor Seating & Accessories – supplementing the cost of equipment to provide additional outdoor seating for outdoor dining capacity in the summer of 2021.
• Weatherproofing & Outdoor Dining Infrastructure – Supporting the cost of weatherproofing solutions to areas where additional outdoor dining could be possible.

Failte Ireland has also prepared Best Practice Guidelines (download) for outdoor dining and urban animation. The guidelines promote the establishment of outdoors spaces and incorporating biophilic design. Both schemes can be accessed at the Failte Ireland support scheme page

The extension to outdoor dining spaces may also create the need to alter the licensed area of any premises serving alcohol. Where this is something a business is required to our expert licensing solicitors are on hand to assist. We also provide free legal advice via this site and our social media channels. Use our contact form and we will take it from there.