KERRY County Council has appointed a member of staff to review the mobility plan introduced throughout the county as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Council Chief Executive, Moira Murrell, said a full review will be undertaken prior to the summer season and the whole issue of outdoor dining – which is likely to be the preferred option of the public health authorities – will be examined in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and other authorities.
“We need to ensure that our safety plan is very well embedded,” Ms Murrell stated.
Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Patrick O’Connor-Scarteen, said restaurants and pubs have had a very difficult time and that it’s important that the council works with them and supports them as much as possible.
Cllr Michael D O’Shea expressed concern that all of Kerry won’t be considered and he asked for smaller villages to be treated in the same manner as bigger towns like Killarney and Dingle in terms of facilitating outdoor dining facilities.
“We need a business plan for every town. We are all ratepayers,” he said.
“Most premises are far too small and they have no facilities at the rear of their premises for outdoor dining so they will have to use council space as we must work with them,” Cllr O’Shea said,
“Before we get to July or August, every business premises must be looked at,” he added.
Cllr Michael Gleeson said it is important that every effort is made to adhere to proper standards when outdoor dining is implemented.
“Last year many places were very well presented, both visually and aesthetically, and others less so. All businesses with outdoor dining must make sure it is properly done,” he said.
Cllr Brendan Cronin acknowledged that businesses are on their knees after enduring the worst 12 months in living memory but he said when it comes to outdoor dining, they will have to ensure that it is done safely.
The council CEO said an engineer will be appointed for a period of weeks to oversee the plan in towns and villages.
“It is important that people living in the county feel safe and that people visiting the county feel safe,” she said.
“We have our licenses for outdoor seating and there needs to be a planned approach with public health to the fore,” she said.
Any scheme that will be looked at will have to be in keeping with the council bye-laws and health and safety will be paramount, Ms Murrell stressed.
She said while Covid-19 infection levels remain low in the county, it is critical that the county remains vigilant in following public health advice and guidelines in ensuring that transmission rates continue to be suppressed.
