Dungarvan bar refused permission to retain outdoor seating by An Bord Pleanála | WLRFM.com

A Dungarvan bar has been refused permission to retain its current outdoor seating area by An Bord Pleanála.

The planning authority rejected an appeal against the decision of the local authority to refuse a licence for outdoor tables and chairs.

John McGrath of Downey’s Bar, Main Street, Dungarvan had sought a street furniture licence for 8 tables and 32 chairs in an area located on the road outside the front of the premises.

The traditional Irish pub was granted a street furniture licence during the Covid-19 restrictions but the application to renew it was refused by Waterford City and County Council.

An Bord Pleanála Planning Inspector Mairead Kenny noted the “relevant lands comprise part of the vehicular carriageway”.

Waterford Council stated the proposal would be contrary to policies of the development plan and would “contribute to visual clutter and disorderly development”.

In his appeal, Mr McGrath said the outside area has allowed him to increase turnover by 30% and to pay off debts.

He said some customers may still prefer to sit outside when the choice is offered and he submitted that the refusal puts his business “at a serious disadvantage” as a number of other pubs in the town have been granted street furniture licences.

Recommending that the appeal be refused, Ms Kenny, who visited the premises in March, stated that she was satisfied that the conclusions drawn by the planning authority were reasonable.

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