It’s going to be an alfresco summer.

And now Cork businesses can apply for a grant of up to €4,000 to spend on creating a comfortable outdoor dining area for guests to enjoy during the warmer months.

Cork City Council has opened a new grant scheme for businesses who wish to improve their outdoor dining offering. Funded through Failte Ireland and administered by Cork City Council, the grant scheme will provide funding for outdoor seating, tables, windbreakers, heaters and other accessories.

How does it work?

Grants can be for up to 75% of costs ex VAT and can cover eligible expenditure since April 1st, 2020.

The scheme is open to hotels, cafes, attractions, restaurants, public houses and other establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises and supports outdoor dining on public areas, such as roads and footpaths, as well as on the applicant’s private property, such as courtyards.

Cork City Council has also waived all fees in relation to Street Furniture Licences for 2021, which are required for dining on public streets.

“Outdoor dining in Cork City was much enjoyed by the public last summer and will play a key role in welcoming people back to a vibrant and safe city when restrictions start to lift,” said Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Joe Kavanagh.

“This builds on the Reimagining Cork City programme, where 17 streets were pedestrianised to support outdoor dining, along with improvement in mobility and amenity across the city. Our objective in Cork City Council is to continue to enhance the city as a place to live in and visit in the long term.”

The grants scheme will close on September 30th, 2021. For further information and to apply for the grant, email outdoordininggrants@corkcity.ie.