West Mayo councillors want by-laws to facilitate outdoor dining

A Westport councillor has called for by-laws to be drawn up for the use of street furniture for outdoor dining.

Cllr Peter Flynn told the July meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District said there was a lot of confusion and upset about rules surrounding the provision of outdoor furniture for customers of hospitality businesses. 

“I know a lot of letters have been issued in the last few months and this has caused a lot of stress for business owners. The problem is we don’t know where we are going on this, whether in Newport, Louisburgh or Westport. I think it is important we put in bylaws around what is allowed, for what time and at what cost. At the moment, it seems to be whoever is the local architect or in charge, whatever they say, goes. 

“Businesses are paying some of the highest rates in Connacht in this MD and I don’t think it is fair to people if there is available space outside their business, that we can’t work to facilitate them. 

"Also, in terms of outdoor trading, we seem to be really restricted in Mayo for people who want to do outdoor business, whether that is to run a food truck or sell a product. So, again, it is something we need to have a look at and I request a workshop so that everyone knows where they stand.” 

Cllr Brendan Mulroy supported the proposal saying it was important to do "everything we can to keep as many businesses going". 

“There needs to be joined-up thinking on this right from Newport to Louisburgh. The last thing we want is for regulations to be closing down a business. We should be there to help them. People have been receiving these letters and are fairly stressed by them. Summer has been okay but it hasn’t been brilliant, and come a good day, outdoor dining works very well and we should facilitate as many businesses as wants it.” 

Acting head of the district, Jim Power, agreed that the council could facilitate a workshop on the issue, adding that only two out of 38 applicants failed to meet the criteria for the current scheme.

Cllr Mulroy commented: “Cllr Flynn is right. We should bring in our own bylaws on this regardless of state regulations, so that we facilitate our businesses. We should take control of this MD and look after it and let the rest of the country look after itself.”