Government 'missing the point' in retaining cafe canopy planning requirement

Cork county councillors reacted with some anger after getting a negative reply from the department to their request to drop the requirement for planning applications for outdoor shelter such as canopies and awnings. Picture: Clare Keogh

The Department of Planning and Local Government's refusal to drop the requirement for planning permission for awnings and canopies outside pubs, restaurants, and cafes has been described as “crazy” and “missing the point”. 

Cork county councillors reacted with some anger after getting a negative reply from the department – the second in recent months – to their request to drop the requirement for planning applications for such equipment.