Businesses in Galway City looking to avail of outdoor seating when lockdown restrictions are eased can now submit their requests for grants of up to €4,000 after the application process went live this week.
The grants can be used for tables, chairs, umbrellas, electric heaters, screens or windbreaks, plant stands and wooden platforms – and businesses have until 30 September 2021 to apply.
This outdoor seating scheme was brought in to help tourism and hospitality businesses increase their dining and seating capacity in the short-term during the pandemic.
Galway City Council says that a “consistent and high quality standard in street furniture” is needed in the city, which will also give people more confidence returning to bars and restaurants when the restrictions end.
Businesses availing of public land for seating must first have a Section 254 license or a Temporary Covid Street Furniture Permit before availing of the scheme. The City Council has waived all fees for temporary licenses for the rest of this year.
For business applying for outdoor furniture in private lands appropriate planning permission must be in place.
“We strongly encourage businesses to apply or engage with Galway City Council if they desire outdoor seating.
“We are keen to work with businesses to facilitate outdoor dining and public realm such as parking spaces, loading bays, public roads may be made available if appropriate,” Galway City Council said.
The scheme will close on 30 September 2021 and applicants are required to submit receipts and photography of furniture. The closing date to submit receipts is 15 October 2021.
Expenditure must be incurred or have been incurred between 1st April 2020 and 30th September 2021. Application form can be found HERE.
