Kildare County Council highlights the licencing and safety requirements for the provision of outdoor dining areas
The provision of outdoor dining areas contributes to the vitality and vibrancy of our towns and village centres. It enhances the experience, adds to the facilities offered to the public, and boosts the local economy. These outdoor dining areas are now more important than ever before, for both businesses and customers to enjoy the rest of our outdoor summer.
Businesses in Kildare wishing to place tables, chairs, signage or other equipment on footpaths, parking bays or other public spaces must have a licence (S254) from Kildare County Council to do so.
While Kildare County Council is encouraging the use of these outdoor spaces, there are many access and safety considerations that must be met.
The primacy of the pedestrian along the street is a key consideration in the provision of outdoor dining. In all cases, unrestricted pedestrian access and flow along the street must be maintained and be safe and convenient to users.
Maintenance of access for emergency vehicles must also be given priority. In this regard, along pedestrianised areas, a minimum 2m of unrestricted free passage should be available and maintained.
Safe movement for all users of these spaces is the key consideration when providing outdoor dining and seating within a footpath and to the fore of a business premises.
An application for a licence may be made to the Planning Section, Kildare County Council, Aras an Chontae, Devoy Park, Naas, Co Kildare. Applications or renewal applications should be made a minimum 4 weeks in advance of the period for which the licence is being sought. Applications will be processed within 4 weeks. Structures should not be installed until the licence is granted and indemnity for Kildare County Council is in place.
An application can be downloaded from the Council’s website by clicking on the following link: https://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/Forms/Planning/Section%20254%20Application%20Form.doc