Businesses in Clare are being warned not to ‘jump the gun’ by allowing outdoor dining near their premises ahead of the easing of restrictions.
It comes as thousands of people flocked to the county’s beauty spots over the weekend to soak up the fine weather, with concerns expressed by callers to Clare FM that many people were availing of seating near some businesses.
Councillors in West and North Clare say this past weekend has highlighted a number of issues ahead of what’s expected to be a busy staycation period.
As temperatures soared for the first time this year, thousands of people flocked to Clare’s beauty spots this past weekend to soak up the best of what the county has to offer.
It’s led to some concern, however, that people may have jumped the gun, after living under tight restrictions for most of the winter.
Callers to Clare FM have expressed concern over a number of issues including large numbers congregating in coastal areas, a lack of social distancing and high volumes of rubbish left behind.
Ennistymon Councillor Shane Talty says some businesses were allowing people to consume food or alcohol close to their premises.
He acknowledges that takeaway is currently allowed, but he insists that businesses should be encouraging customers to move on and disperse, or risk a slower loosening of restrictions over the summer period.
Additional Council staff were deployed to a number of areas over the weekend, but disappointment has also been expressed about a lack of access to public toilets, particularly in areas like Fanore and Spanish Point.
In response to a query from Clare FM, the Council did not comment on coastal areas specifically, but acknowledged COVID-19 is resulting in increased numbers of people using public amenities, with the Ennis Municipal District investigating the provision of temporary, accessible toilet facilities in that area.
However, Kilkee Councillor Cillian Murphy believes planning for the influx of visitors should have been at a more advanced stage.
He insists it’s time that Government support is provided to local authorities to improve public facilities.
