The Outdoor Seating and Accessories for Tourism and Hospitality Business’ scheme focuses on providing a level of financial support to tourism and hospitality businesses in our town centres. This scheme is for the purchase or upgrade of additional outdoor equipment and, therefore, increase the outdoor dining capacity for the summer of 2021. This scheme will financially assist and support independent tourism and hospitality business owners to create outdoor dining experiences in a regulated and accessible manner. Funding under the scheme is only available to existing businesses. All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, legislative requirements and other compliance requirements.
**Please Note**
South Dublin County Council is making an addendum to the guidelines for The Outdoor Seating and Accessories for Tourism and Hospitality Business. In recognition of the global demand for outdoor seating and accessories in some instances suppliers are unable to complete orders until January 2022. In these ‘exceptional circumstances’ applicants can still apply under the scheme and will receive their grants once goods are delivered and they can provide proof of deliver and in-situ. Applicants need to apply for the scheme prior to the closing date (8th October 2021) enclosing the quotes for goods, delivery dates from the suppliers and will still need to be compliant with all regulatory and planning requirements. Please note the closing date has been extended to the 8th October 2021.
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to attractions, hotels, restaurants, cafes, public houses or other tourism and hospitality business establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises. As of 14/06/2021 this scheme is now open to Pubs including non-food serving establishments. You must have a Section 254 license or be placing the outdoor seating & accessories within your own business premises. If you do not currently have a Section 254 license but wish to apply for one to avail of this scheme, please contact the County Promotion Unit on 01-414 9000 or e-mail econdev@sdublincoco.ie
Please note that the premises must have no commercial rates outstanding to South Dublin County Council or must have a payment plan in place.
What equipment is covered?
Outdoor equipment purchased must be of robust and stable construction to prevent movement in adverse weather conditions and be agreed with SDCC. Items eligible for this scheme are;
- Tables
- Chairs
- Umbrellas (awnings/canopies attached to buildings may require planning permission)
- Electric heaters
- Screens/windbreaks
- Plant stands
- Wooden Platform
What is the maximum grant?
The scheme will provide for up to 75% of the ex-VAT cost of equipment purchased/installed between 01/04/2020 and 30/09/2021, with a maximum allowable contribution of up to €4,000 per applicant.
What is the closing date?
Applications must be submitted online on or before October 8th 2021.
More info
The Outdoor Seating and Accessories for Tourism & Hospitality Business Scheme is being administered through Local Authorities. The Local Authority has the right to use their discretion in regard to the process and the development of appropriate terms and conditions that are appropriate for their respective streetscapes, businesses etc.
For more information check out our best practice guidelines.
If you have any further queries on this scheme please contact the County Promotion Unit on 01-414 9000 or econdev@sdublincoco.ie
