Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was not going to speak on this legislation, but I then engaged with some publicans during the week and I want to reflect some of their views in this regard. I welcome the clarity that this legislation gives to them, the Garda and the local authorities. The point made to me by the publicans concerned how stressful it has been for publicans in recent months to be aware of the parameters regarding their responsibilities concerning outdoor areas since they opened. Publicans have told me that it takes more work to manage people outside, because it is necessary to have enough staff to cover everybody and to be able to monitor everything. Therefore, this Bill has given publicans some reassurance. This is happening, of course, in the context of rising concern regarding the Delta variant as well. This Bill, therefore, is to be welcomed on many levels.

We have an opportunity now to step up our game regarding outdoor hospitality, not just for this summer but also for future summers. I welcome the funding being provided to local authorities for the provision of general areas to be developed. That aspect is particularly relevant as we consider more local tourism opportunities and attracting people into their local areas. I hope to see more funding being directed towards events like festivals in local areas as we enjoy our new sense of localism.

I will briefly touch on some issues. Mention was made of public toilets. We must change our view of public toilets and public infrastructure. We need them. What happens when public toilets are opened in public parks is also incredibly frustrating, however. In my area, some €170,000 was allocated to provide five unisex toilets for Millennium Park in Blanchardstown, where we have our first changing places facility. However, those new toilets were damaged the day after they were opened. They were vandalised, and that has happened three times now. We must think about the infrastructure we need, look to other countries and ask why we do not have the outdoor spaces and public infrastructure we require. We must call out those people who are trying to undermine this endeavour and tell them it is just not acceptable for public money to be wasted.

It is also important for local authorities to work with local businesses that are struggling as they operate in outdoor areas. They must be helped to maximise the spaces they have. When it comes to their dining tables and possibly using car parks in this regard, such endeavours could mean the difference between survival and failure in the months to come. Therefore, I appeal to local authorities to ensure they work with those businesses as closely as possible.