Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I welcome this. It is very important that we give the businesses involved certainty up until 30 September 2026. That is very welcome. One of the positive outcomes from Covid is the fact that businesses started to utilise outdoor spaces to a far greater extent. It is welcome that they are now able to provide those facilities without incurring a licence fee. On regulation and enforcement, as I understand that it a licence is still required but that it is free of charge. It is critically important that the focus remains on enforcement and that we do not see a free-for-all in terms of footpath space and accessibility, particularly in the context of the visually impaired, those with mobility challenges and so on. We have to ensure that the right balance is struck.

In terms of local authorities, it is important that sufficient resources are provided in order that this can be regulated. We all support the businesses and we all want to see outdoor dining and outdoor street furniture, but it is important to maintain accessibility and ensure there are no unnecessary impediments on our footpaths or in our public spaces.