Mayo County Council launched an initiative at the start of the summer helping hospitality businesses to reopen to the new way of doing business.
Open to all café, restaurant or hotel proprietors, the initiative allows business-owners to utilise, where possible, the footpath or even a car parking space outside their premises as external dining space to serve their customers in.
Elstablishments located throughout Ballina, Ballinrobe, Charlestown, Claremorris, and Westport have taken up the opportunity, including Cosy Joe’s in Westport.
Speaking of his involvement with the initiative Joe O’Malley proprietor of Cosy Joe's said, "With Mayo County Council’s help I was able to extend my business outdoors onto a parking space.
"The Council provided the attractive hedge enclosure which protected my customers from traffic and fumes, as they enjoyed their food and drinks.
"This prominent extra outdoor space has been a big help to my business and is great for social distancing. Unfortunately, the Summer weather wasn’t great, but I will be liaising with Mayo County Council again to agree a solution for rain shelter etc. for coming months."
As part of the initiative Mayo County Council is refunding licence fees paid for outdoor footpath seating areas for the remainder of 2020 to the businesses. A small charge is applied where car spaces are utilised by cafes to offset the cost of the attractive hedge screening provided by the council for protective purposes.
This initiative is still open and will continue to do so during this time of Covid crises, eligible businesses should please contact their Municipal District Office. Contact details can be found at www.mayo.ie
