Update – July 2021
In March an ‘Outdoor Seating & Accessories for Tourism & Hospitality Business’ scheme was launched. The inclusion of non-food serving pubs was announced earlier this summer.
This extended scheme will now provide a level of financial support to attractions, hotels, restaurants, cafés, public houses or other establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises and now Pubs (including non-food serving) to purchase or upgrade equipment to provide additional outdoor seating and, therefore, increase their outdoor capacity for the summer of 2021. Funding under the scheme is only available to existing businesses.
This scheme has been developed to enable individual tourism and hospitality businesses to increase their seating capacity in the short-term by increasing their own outdoor seating capacity. A consistent and high quality standard in street furniture is required to enhance the appeal of outdoor spaces in Galway and help create confidence in people returning to hospitality businesses.
Through this scheme our aim is to support the hospitality sector, and open up appropriate spaces within Galway City for outdoor use, developing them as safe, welcoming and vibrant places.
For businesses availing of public land for outdoor furniture a Section 254 license or a Temporary Covid Street Furniture Permit must be in place before availing of the scheme. See below for more information and to apply for a temporary permit. All fees have been waived for these licenses for the remainder of 2021.
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.
The scheme is now open and will close on the 30th September 2021
For business applying for outdoor furniture in private lands appropriate planning permission must be in place.
Galway City Council will require applicants to submit receipts and photography of furniture in situ (Closing date to submit receipts is the 15th October 2021).
Applicants can apply for a grant of up to €4,000 (for up to 75% of the ex-VAT cost of equipment purchased).
Eligible Expenditure will include outdoor tables, chairs, umbrellas/canopies, electric heaters, screens/windbreaks, plant stands & wooden platforms etc.
Expenditure must be incurred or have been incurred between 1st April 2020 and 30th September 2021
Please Note: Galway City Council is administering this scheme on behalf of Fáilte Ireland
Application Form:
Tables and Chairs Licences for the Hospitality Sector
Galway City Council operates two licence structures for tables and chairs in public places. The first licence is granted on an annual basis as a ‘Section 254’ licence under planning legislation, where the proposal meets the specified criteria.
The second licence was introduced on a temporary basis by Galway City Council under Roads legislation in response to Covid-19. This licence facilitates businesses to avail of ‘new’ public realm created through reallocation of road space for pedestrian use to assist social distancing.
Galway City Council have waived fees for these license to the end of 2021. Normal terms and conditions for the licenses still apply, including the requirement to renew applications as they expire, maintain the appropriate public liability insurance policy etc.
Temporary Tables and Chairs Licenses will be considered for businesses whose primary use is for the selling of food/ drink, which already provide seating and tables inside the premises, and on the ground floor. This short term licence will operate until the end of 2021. Applications will be reviewed on a case by case basis, with respect to the impact of the licence on neighbouring properties and the accessibility and operation of the street; queuing of customers; and the safe passage of pedestrians and mobility impaired.
Application Form: Temporary Covid Street Furniture Permit Application Form March 2021.pdf
For more information in relation to existing Section 254 licences, please contact planning@galwaycity.ie
For information on temporary Covid-19 Licence applications, please contact roads@galwaycity.ie