A Dublin TD is calling for the rules around street furniture outside businesses to be relaxed as Ireland continues to reopen for business.
Due to social distancing guidelines, cafes and restaurants will see their previous capacity harshly reduced.
In Limerick, a trial is taking place in the city to allow businesses provide street tables in an effort to increase the capacity of small businesses.
The four Dublin local authorities are now being asked to relax their rules in an effort to reduce the number of people indoors and queuing for entry.
Fianna Fail TD John Lahart said: "I see Limerick city has started a trial allowing restaurants to provide street tables in a bid to help their business, which has been so badly affected by the COVID-19 restrictions.
"I believe Dublin should be following this example – all efforts have to be made to help our cafes, restaurants and small shops recover from this massive hit.
“I am calling on the four local authorities to relax their ruled around street furniture and see how the initiative fares."
He continued: “We need to reduce, in as far is as possible, the number of people gathering at one time.
"The more outlets that are open, the greater variety people have and this should cut down on long queues at peak times. The addition of extra outdoor space would also help."
