Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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713. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to engage with local authorities on the reduction or removal of the so-called sunshine tax for hospitality businesses. [15472/21]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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This question relates to the licensing of street furniture and other appliances on public roads and footpaths as provided for under section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), and the supplementary Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (the Regulations).  Article 201 of the Regulations outlines the various apparatus and structures that come under the ambit of the section 254 provisions and includes the provision of tables and chairs outside a hotel, restaurant, public house, or other establishment where food is sold for consumption on the premises. The licence fee payable to the relevant local authority for the provision of such apparatus on public roads and footpaths is set out in Part 1(h) of Schedule 12 of the Regulations at €125 per table.

In light of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the hospitality and restaurant sector, my Department is engaging with the County and City Management Association (CCMA) regarding the application of the street furniture licensing fees in 2021.  This is being considered in the context of general support for business activity in urban centres, once current restrictions are eased while also having regard to relevant public health, health and safety and other related protocols.