Alfresco dining is the way forward this summer.
Earlier this year, we told you about Hugo’s Restaurants proposal to turn Merrion Row into an area for alfresco dining over the summer.
This involves pedestrianizing the roads in a bid to make room for restaurants and bars to serve outdoors. Not only would this help businesses out after the pause to hospitality, but outdoor socialising is proven to be more effective in slowing the spread of Covid-19.
Truly one of the most difficult weekends. We must find solutions. If it’s outdoor dining then let’s have the best, for everyone. Let’s make our city a strolling one. Pedestrianise our 110mtr Merrion Row & support its 12 hospitality businesses & their 100’s & 100’s of staff 🙏 1/3 pic.twitter.com/stjC1ciY5w
— Hugo's Restaurant 🇺🇦 (@hugosrest) February 22, 2021
Now, news has emerged that there are now plans set in place to just what Hugo’s restaurant proposed. Dublin City Council have revealed they plan to operate this system on a trial basis in summer, which will benefit Merrion Row, Mary Street and parts of Capel Street.
A motion has passed (39 to 6, 11 abstains) that will aim to pedestrianize around 20 streets in Dublin by the June bank holiday, which would open up spaces for business to increase outdoor trade. This is, of course, deemed to be more effective in preventing the spread of Covid-19 than indoor socialising. The aforementioned streets will be taking part in the trial, but it is hoped that up to 20 streets could be pedestrianised in time for the June bank holiday.
Motion passed. 39 in favour, 6 against and 11 cllrs abstained. Elected majority have spoken for Dublin City and now its time to deliver for an outdoor summer. #outdoordining #outdoorsummer https://t.co/ZRB6LrSahA
— James Geoghegan (@GeogheganCllr) April 12, 2021