We’re all going al fresco as eating on the street tops menu
PEOPLE staycationing this summer can expect to ‘eat on the street’ all over the country as cities and towns embrace pedestrianisation.
Banning cars to allow pubs and restaurants to accommodate customers al fresco has proved hugely popular where it has been implemented and already there are calls for the moves to be made permanent.
Hard hit by lockdown, restaurateurs on
‘There’s a big party atmosphere’
Cork’s Princes Street lobbied the city council to pedestrianise the street with enormous success so far.
The road, which has 12 eateries on it, now has a distinctly European feel, akin to Rotterdam or Rome.
Agi Baran, manager of Tedo Tapas Bar says its been a fantastic initiative.
‘There’s a big party atmosphere since we reopened and even with the weather, people don’t seem to mind at all,’ she said.
‘We wondered whether people would take to sitting outside but now most people who come ask if they can sit outside.
‘I think what makes it special is that all the restaurants are connected.
‘I really hope they can continue with this because it’s good for Cork and it’s more like the rest of Europe.’
The pedestrianisation of Cork has also seen cars banned from the Marina near Páirc Uí
Chaoimh and the re-introduction of pedestrianisation on Oliver Plunkett Street in the city centre.
In Dublin, several south side streets are also due to be closed to weekend traffic in a bid to revitalise the economy there.
The targeted areas around Grafton Street will include parts of Anne Street South, Duke Street, South William Street, Drury Street and Dame Court.
The trial will shut off traffic between 11am and 7pm for four weekends from July 25.
But Dublin Town, a group representing businesses in the capital, says the plan doesn’t go far enough.
‘Pedestrianisation in the city centre is a step in the right direction but we need more ambition and vision,’ said a
spokesperson. ‘Pedestrianising a street one or two days a week doesn’t suffice. Businesses are struggling to survive – they need all of our support!’
The Temple Bar Company also wants streets to be pedestrianised after 11am, while ‘still allowing access for deliveries and the area’s car park’.
And in the seaside village of Malahide, New Street has been pedestrianised, with large planter boxes keeping traffic out to the delight of local businesses, including well-known pub Gibney’s.
‘Full pedestrianisation would allow businesses to use part of the pavements so they can accommodate more customers under social distancing rules,’ said a spokesperson. Around the country, popular tourist towns Ennis, Tralee and Westport are also proposing to give pubs and restaurants more street space in the battle to boost their economies.
Meanwhile, one Cork town is hoping to kickstart its economy with a different tack, as well as bringing in the pedestrianisation proposals.
Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce is already selling ‘Clonakilty Vouchers’. For locals and tourists alike, every €50 or €100 voucher bought will be boosted by up to 20%.
The €40,000 fund to back the voucher scheme aims to put €240,000 into the town’s economy as businesses exit lockdown.