Cork pub Dwyers appeals to retain outdoor seating area

Cork City Council refused permission for Dwyers of Cork’s €100,000 outdoor area, citing its negative visual impact

Dwyers of Cork on Washington Street had applied for permission for the outdoor area along with an extension of the hours it could operate to align with its publican’s licence. File picture: Dan Linehan

A popular Cork pub has taken the next step in its battle to retain its outdoor seating area, appealing City Hall’s refusal for planning permission to An Coimisiún Pleánála.

Dwyers of Cork on Washington St had applied for permission for the outdoor area along with an extension of the hours it could operate to align with its publican’s licence.

It was a condition of its original planning permission sought during covid that it had to re-apply for retention after three years but a Cork City Council inspector hit out at the “haphazard and temporary” structure for outdoor dining and said it had a “negative visual impact” on the building.

An appeal was lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála seeking permission for the permanent installation of the outdoor seating area, with a 60-page document supporting the application.

It pointed to the Government’s Night-Time Economy Task Force which recommended that “every effort” be made to maximise opportunities for outdoor spaces to be used for on-street dining zones.

It also said the pedestrianisation of Little Cross St and its re-use for outdoor dining has “delivered a marked improvement in public amenity, activating what was previously an underused space”.

“The presence of a managed, high-quality outdoor facility brings life and vibrancy to the area, in keeping with Cork City Council’s placemaking objectives, and supports sustainable city-centre living and hospitality,” it said.

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The document also said that Cork City Council has supported businesses elsewhere in the city.

This has included “direct public investments” in Princes St and Union Quay to facilitate high-quality outdoor dining environments.

“Dwyer’s of Washington St has undertaken its development entirely at its own expense,” it said. “This significant investment, which is in the realm of €100,000 has been made in good faith and with the clear understanding that the development was not only acceptable but welcomed and aligned with Council objectives.

“We note that other premises have benefitted from publicly-funded public realm improvements.” 

An Coimisiún Pleanála has set a date of March 16, 2026, for its decision on this planning appeal.