Plans are in the works to use part of Galway Harbour as a public outdoor dining area for food stalls and adapted vehicles this summer.
Galway Harbour Company is seeking temporary planning permission to convert a large open area on the Lough Atalia Road, approximately 550m from Eyre Square, into an outdoor dining location.
The site is owned by the Galway Harbour Company, and is otherwise used for storing “harbour related bulky goods” and wind turbines before they are transported to their final destination.
This project is being proposed as a COVID-19 initiative, and it is expected that it will be open from June to October, depending on the current state of restrictions at the time.
“This outdoor dining area is aimed at local food outlets who do not have facilities for outdoor dining at their current premises,” the application states.
“As the city begins to reopen, this development will support and encourage additional footfall in the city centre, supporting local business and shops in the city centre area.”
The dining area would be open from 8am to 10pm each day, with no new food served after 9pm each night.
Existing parking spaces at the site will be used for set down parking, and the Harbour Company also proposed to hire portable toilets for the area.
It is not expected that any permanent works will be needed to adapt the site, as it is already fenced in and the existing access points are deemed sufficient.
Galway City Council is due to decide whether to grant planning permission for this development by May 24.
