Return of outdoor dining marks a positive day for businesses in Dublin Bay South – Geoghegan

The resumption of outdoor dining marks a positive day for businesses and people employed in the hospitality sector, according to Fine Gael Councillor James Geoghegan.

Cllr Geoghegan, who is contesting the Dublin Bay South bye-election for Fine Gael, said today represents another milestone for the country with the further easing of restrictions and resumption of a number of outdoor activities.

Cllr Geoghegan was joined in his constituency today by Director of Elections, Minister Simon Harris, Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, Richard Bruton, TD, Dún Laoghaire Deputy, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD, and Dublin South Central Senator Mary Seery Kearney.

Councillor Geoghegan said: “Today is another positive day for the hospitality sector with the reopening of outdoor services in restaurants, cafes and bars for up to six people.

“Over the coming weeks, tens of thousands of people will return to work as trade resumes and I’m so pleased for workers and businesses in the sector after a hugely challenging year.

“As a Dublin city councillor, I have assisted in delivering outdoor dining infrastructure for local Ranelagh and Sandymount businesses and have helped them access other Covid related supports. I want to wish them all the best as they begin to serve customers on their premises once again.

“When Covid restrictions eased last summer, the economy saw a return of €843 million on domestic tourism expenditure in the third quarter of 2020. Over 170,000 people have returned to work since the 2021 peak in the PUP register in February. Last year 400,000 people closed their PUP claim over the summer months.

“The Government have responded rapidly to support individuals and businesses during the pandemic. The Economic Recovery Plan 2021 launched this week reinforces that support with renewed investment and policies to navigate the next stage of recovery.

“In addition to loans and grants that businesses can continue to avail of, the EWSS and CRSS have been extended to December with a new additional business support scheme (Business Resumption Support Scheme), to be made available in September 2021.

“This plan includes helping people back into work, future proofing enterprise and a balanced and inclusive recovery with a focus on improving living standards, which is something I am committed to delivering if I am elected to Dáil Eireann,” Cllr Geoghegan concluded.