Limerick City and County Council is proposing to close a number of streets in the City Centre at certain times to provide additional space for outdoor dining and socialising. A total of eight streets and laneways will be closed at specified times throughout the summer and autumn as part of the Council’s plans to support businesses, coinciding with the planned re-opening of the hospitality sector on 07 June 2021.
They are:
| Upper Denmark Street – from Robert Street up to entrance of Cornmarket Square Car Park | Daily from 6pm to 12am (midnight) | Thursday 10 June to Monday 01 November 2021 |
| Glentworth Mews – part of laneway near Catherine Street | Daily from 6pm to 12am (midnight) | Thursday 10 June to Monday 01 November 2021 |
| Theatre Lane – part of laneway near Lwr Glentworth Street | Daily from 6pm to 12am (midnight) | Thursday 10 June to Monday 01 November 2021 |
| Augustinian Lane | Daily from 6pm to 12am (midnight) | Thursday 10 June to Monday 01 November 2021 |
| Thomas Street – between Catherine Street and Little William Street junctions | Daily from 11am to 12am (midnight) | Thursday 10 June to Monday 01 November 2021 |
| Market Alley Lane – off Denmark Street | Daily from 11am to 12am (midnight) | Thursday 10 June to Monday 01 November 2021 |
| Howley’s Quay – (between Cecil St and Shannon St junctions) | Daily from 6pm to 12am (midnight) | Thursday 10 June to Monday 01 November 2021 |
| Back Lane – from is junction with High Street and Little Gerald Griffin Street | Daily from 11am to 12am (midnight) | Thursday 10 June to Monday 01 November 2021 |
These closures have been proposed by businesses in the locality and will help maximise the amount of space to allow people to dine and socialise safely given the prevailing guidelines.
As the closure of streets is a legal process, any submissions on the proposals can be made to roads@limerick.ie by 4pm on Tuesday 25 May 2021.
In addition, the Council has unveiled the agreed locations of the buildouts in the city and county.
Up to 19 buildouts will be supported by the Council, so far a total of 13 buildouts have been approved.
They are:
| Business – request received from | Location of Buildout (city unless stated) |
| The Commercial Hotel | Catherine Street |
| Punch’s Bar | Main Street, Patrickswell |
| Café Rosé | Roches Street |
| Cornstore | Thomas Street |
| Crew Brewing Company | Thomas Street |
| Hook & Ladder | Sarsfield Street |
| Sexton’s Bar | Henry Street |
| Timmy Martin’s Pub | Liddy Street |
| Dasco Deli | High Street |
| The White House | Glentworth Street |
| Charlie St George Pub | Parnell Street |
| Ma Hogan’s | Catherine Street |
| Sean Collins Bar | Rathkeale Road, Adare |
Construction of these buildouts will begin in the coming weeks.
Again these buildouts and locations are a result of the ongoing consultative process between businesses and Limerick City and County Council.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Michael Collins said: “I welcome these proposals from the Council to close these streets as part of efforts to support businesses. We need to think differently and try new things as we all start out on the path ahead following the Covid restrictions.”
“The buildouts will help to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere in Limerick as we aim to attract more people here. What is hugely positive about the whole initiative is the renewed and strengthening collaboration between the Council and the business community.”
Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District of Limerick Cllr Sarah Kiely said: “This is fantastic news for all the applicants who are getting a buildout, the feedback is incredibly positive from them and the general public who want do their bit to support our city. The Council must be thanked for this progressive move.”
“It is very welcome especially for the hospitality sector who have been closed for a very long time, it is only right that anyone in the metropolitan district who applied for a build out got one.”
“The plans received unanimous support from all councillors at last week’s briefing.”
Limerick City and County Council already announced that it was waiving its fees for Tables and Chairs Licences and fees for Street Event Licences.
However businesses must still apply for a licence if they plan on al-fresco dining on the footpaths outside their premises.
Similarly community groups or business wishing to host events which involved the closure of streets must apply to the Council who will assess their applications before making a decision.
Businesses can still apply for funding for outdoor furniture under the Fáilte Ireland programme. For more information check out Limerick.ie.