Almost €2 million given to South-East for outdoor dining facilities

Almost 1.8 million euros in funding has been allocated to permanent outdoor dining facilities across the South-East.

It’s to create sheltered public spaces to facilitate outdoor dining in urban tourism centres across the region, building one from the first phase which gave businesses grants towards outdoor dining furniture.

Kilkenny’s Market Yard received almost 650,000 under the funding, with the Waterford City trail getting over 350,000 euros, under a scheme that has given funding to all five South-Eastern counties.

Speaking to Beat News, Head of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland Orla Carroll, says Ireland is ready to catch up to other European countries.

"I think what has happened in COVID is that an awful lot of people have recognised the wonderful amenities we have here in Ireland, and have started exploring them.

"We don't have to be afraid of our weather, we don't have to be inside. That actually, as long as there is some form of roofing, and heaters, that it's alright to be outside - and enjoy what we would previously have thought wasn't possible."