Council unveils plan to cater for outdoor dining in Kilkenny

Kilkenny County Council has unveiled a series of measures to cater for the expected surge outdoors once Covid restrictions start to lift from May 10.

The local authority has launched several initiatives to help reignite the local tourism trade, which has been decimated by the pandemic, by welcoming “all staycation visitors to the explore the city”.

The council confirmed it will be availing of all available Government funding “to facilitate a safe reopening”.

The one-way system in the city will continue to facilitate safe social distancing for pedestrians and outdoor dining as the country emerges from one of Europe’s harshest lockdown regimes.

A council spokesperson said “additional car parking, signage and a new city map” will be also provided to locals and visitors to Kilkenny as the restrictions are lifted.

Meanwhile, the council also said it is working with local businesses to “counteract additional litter and bin capacity” as a result of outdoor dining, particularly at weekends.