Call for ‘dilution’ of planning regulations to help hospitality sector

From this week’s Galway City Tribune – Galway City Council has been asked to ‘dilute’ planning regulations and allow bars and restaurants expand their outdoor areas so they can comply with social distancing restrictions.

Councillor Clodagh Higgins said this week that social distancing rules will “wreak havoc” on businesses, and called on the local authority to be more flexible when it comes to outdoor areas.

She has put forward a motion to be heard at the next meeting of the local authority, which she hopes will compel the executive to set up a business forum to provide supports for local businesses.

“We need to be creative in adapting to how businesses can do business in Galway. The reality is with social distancing likely to remain for some time, we need to be more innovative in terms of helping them do what they are good at, giving a great service and employing staff.

“For instance, we now need to turn our thinking on its head as this is the ‘new normal’ so let’s look at the pubs and restaurants sector in particular.

“Social distancing rules will wreak havoc on their businesses so we need to be more flexible in terms of allowing them expand their external areas outside the curtilage of their premises so they can open their doors once again.

“So, let’s dilute planning guidelines and others in order to try and facilitate these businesses open their doors again.

“This can only be done with all relevant stakeholders around a table reaching a consensus. Time is of the essence and not on the side of many shops, bars and restaurants around the city and we must be sensitive to this and work to help them without delay,” she said.

Cllr Higgins said she has put forward a motion for a business forum to be established “in order to plan to get Galway back on its feet”.

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