Scheme to help hospitality

A new grant scheme has been opened for businesses on Leeside who want to develop or improve their outdoor dining offering.

Funded through Failte Ireland and administered by Cork City Council, the grant scheme will provide up to €4,000 to each business to support the provision of outdoor seating, tables, wind breakers, heaters and other accessories.

Grants can be for up to 75 per cent of costs, excluding VAT, and can cover eligible expenditure since 1 April 2020.

This new grant scheme is open to existing businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector throughout Cork city like hotels, cafes, attractions, restaurants, public houses and other establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises.

The scheme supports outdoor dining on public areas, such as roads and footpaths, as well as on the applicant's private property, such as courtyards etc. As a further support to businesses Cork City Council has waived all fees in relation to Street Furniture Licences for 2021, which are required for dining on public streets and paths.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Joe Kavanagh said: “Outdoor dining in Cork city was much enjoyed by the public last summer and will play a key role in welcoming people back to a vibrant and safe city when restrictions start to lift.

“This builds on the Reimagining Cork City programme, where 17 streets were pedestrianised to support outdoor dining, along with improvement in mobility and amenity across the city. Our objective in Cork City Council is to continue to enhance the city as a place to live in and visit in the long term”.

For further information and to apply for the grant visit corkcity.ie while queries can be emailed to outdoordininggrants@corkcity.ie.

The grants scheme will close on 30 September 2021.