Street furniture rule sparks tourism town fears

A Government-driven directive on street furniture could jeopardise food and drink providers in dozens of locations along one of the world’s top tourist routes, the Wild Atlantic Way.

Street furniture includes tables and chairs that require licensing, but consuming food outside cafes, restaurants, pubs, and hotels will only be permitted where 1.8m of footpath clearance remains.

County councillors have warned that hospitality sector providers in many coastal communities with narrow streets, such as tourist haven West Cork, could be forced out of business.