Kerry County Councillor demands meeting with Fáilte Ireland over outdoor dining funding

A Kerry County Councillor has demanded a meeting with Fáilte Ireland over the exclusion of some pubs from funding for outdoor dining.

Under the €17 million Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme, hospitality businesses can apply for grants of up to €4,000 to develop outdoor dining facilities.

Pubs which don't serve food are not eligible to apply for this funding, a matter which was raised at the monthly meeting of Kerry County Council by a furious Cllr Niall 'Botty' O'Callaghan.

The independent councillor says the decision to omit some pubs from the funding is a shockingly embarrassing decision.

Several councillors agreed with Cllr O'Callaghan, and Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Patrick O'Connor Scarteen, says he will request a meeting with Fáilte Ireland.