Nicole Ryan (Sinn Fein)

Sinn Féin supports this legislation. It is practical and welcome for the hospitality sector and is in response to a very real need of business and communities that adapted innovatively during the pandemic and have continued to operate successfully under this arrangement.

Like Senator Keogan pointed out, however, this is emergency legislation. It was introduced under extraordinary public health circumstances. Four years later, we are still relying on emergency laws to govern what is now an everyday practice, and that is not acceptable. We have had promises of permanent legislation, and there needs to be a sense of urgency to actually pass it. The delays have left local authorities and hospitality businesses operating in a legislative grey zone. The outdoor seating provisions were a lifeline for our businesses during Covid, but we now have to have a much broader conversation on what kind of spaces we want in our towns, villages and cities.As was pointed out, this should not be treated in isolation. It should be part of a comprehensive, national strategy for place making, local economic development and building vibrant, livable and accessible communities. Outdoor hospitality boosts footfall, supports small businesses and adds the character and culture to a place. However, to support it we need to invest in public spaces, tackle dereliction and ensure our towns and villages have infrastructure to support that outdoor activity, such as public toilets, waste management, lights, accessible seating and lots more.

We cannot forget rural Ireland in this. Too often our rural towns are left behind in these conversations. If the Government is serious about rejuvenation, outdoor hospitality needs to be part of a wider plan that includes public realm investment, reliable transport and all the other services that rural areas need. While we support this extension, we want this to be the last one. We need the permanent legislation that has been promised in order that we can give our hospitality sector the certainty it deserves and give our communities the kind of places and public spaces of which they can be proud.