Positivity around pergolas: Limerick business people praise measure

A CITY centre businessman has said the introduction of outdoor seating areas is “one of the best things the council has done”.

Gary Huynh, who owns Sambros in Thomas Street, said the use of pergola structures has increased trade and vibrancy in Limerick.

“It’s been very positive for all the businesses around here. People have the choice if they want to sit outside or inside. They can enjoy their meal in the shelter, not being rained on and it works both ways for everybody,” he said.

Mr Huynh made the comments after councillor Elisa O’Donovan said some of these spaces are being “left to rot”, with business owners feeling unsafe as they end their working day.

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Mr Huynh disputed this, and said this is not the case - pointing to just one being out of use, outside the former Habit Coffee unit at the Thomas Street-Catherine Street junction.

There was a concern raised by one businesswoman, who alleged on Instagram that people were urinating against her door, and drinking outside all day.

Mike Kotze, of Coqbull and Cornstore said it’s an “awful shame” there has been bad publicity around the use of the pergolas, introduced around the Covid-19 pandemic to facilitate outdoor dining.

“It obviously brings more feet into our business. It takes people off the street which really helps. It's good for business and when the weather is good, it gives you the chance to enjoy it, so it’s all good.”

Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely, who on Friday took a walk around Bedford Row and Thomas Street, where the outdoor structures were introduced, said: “There is a great buzz around them. I spoke with two people I know eating outside Cafe Nero. One lady said they are a God-send as she finds it hard to sit inside when it’s warm.

“Without these pergolas, some businesses in Thomas Street and Bedford Row would not be making money. They would not have a secure, outdoor offering,” added Cllr Kiely.