Preparing public spaces to facilitate areas of Dublin city centre to eat and drink outside.
A change in the traffic layout for streets around Merrion Row will allow local bars, restaurants and cafes use public space for outdoor dining.
Joe Barrett of Bang Restaurant on Merrion Row believes Irish people are ready to embrace more outdoor dining having become accustomed to socialising outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several other city streets have already introduced build-outs, extended pedestrian areas that can be used by bars and restaurants.
Dublin City Council say the measures are part of a wider effort to make the city more vibrant. Colin Reilly says the changes are intended to support businesses and bring public spaces to life.
There are some retail businesses concerned that an expansion of outdoor hospitality could lead to anti social issues similar to those seen in Temple Bar. Mary Whelan, owner of Eirlooms, says residents in the area struggle with noise at night and some people feel unsafe using certain streets in the city. She believes Dublin is increasingly being designed for only a narrow section of the population.
Businesses on Merrion Row are hopeful that the street will eventually become fully pedestrianised.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 15 May 2021. The reporter is John Kilraine.
