Cork bar Dwyers makes planning application for new outdoor seating and dining area 

Moscato Ltd - trading as Dwyers - plans to remove the existing outdoor seating area, making way for the new facility

Part of the outdoor seating area at Little Cross Street. Dwyers has applied to Cork City Council to install a new outdoor seating and dining area, seven months after being refused an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála for permanent installation of the previous structure. Picture: Dan Linehan

Cork pub Dwyers has applied to Cork City Council to install a new outdoor seating and dining area, seven months after being refused an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála for permanent installation of the previous structure.

Moscato Ltd - trading as Dwyers - plans to remove the existing outdoor seating area on Little Cross Street, making way for the new facility. 

"The development will consist of the removal of existing outdoor seating area to the exterior of the structure on the Little Cross Street elevation and associated awnings and canopy system. These are to be replaced through the installation of a replacement new outdoor seating area to the exterior of the structure, with associated awnings and canopy system, and all associated ancillary structures required to facilitate outdoor dining, including removable screens and all associated development. No internal works are proposed to the building," the planning application states.

In March, An Coimisiún Pleanála turned down an appeal for the permanent installation of the existing outdoor seating area at the popular bar and entertainment venue on Washington Street. This was initially installed under a temporary planning permission during the pandemic, with around €100,000 invested. 

A condition imposed by the council at the time was that Moscato would have to reapply after three years to retain permission, and this was refused, with city planners then deeming the development formed an “obtrusive structure that has a negative visual impact” on the building, which is a protected structure, and the area.

Dwyers' appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála was refused in March 2026, with the planning board saying it would create an “undesirable precedent” in the area. Now, the fresh application has been lodged which developers hope will gain approval with the city's planners. Their decision is due next month.