A new grant scheme is set to help pubs improve their outdoor seating ahead of reopening.
The Outdoor Service Enhancement Scheme aims to enhance the outdoor seating capacity and weatherproof service areas of pubs that do not serve food.
It is expected that eligible pubs will be able to apply for up to €4,000 each, a similar amount which is being given to food-serving businesses. All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, legislative requirements and other compliance requirements. Details will be finalised in the days ahead.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D. said: “The Outdoor Service Enhancement Scheme will provide much needed assistance to businesses who in many cases been unable to open since March 2020. Our pubs and bars are an important social outlet and a popular element of our tourism and hospitality offering.
“Along with the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme businesses will receive assistance to transform appropriate outdoor spaces as welcoming vibrant places helping businesses to recover and people to return to work. This scheme is a further illustration of the Government’s stated commitment to support tourism and hospitality in the journey to recovery for the sector.”
