Dublin’s Street 66 bar is "demanding answers" after a bike rack was installed in its outdoor seating area with just days to go until Pride.
The bar’s owners said they had enjoyed an outdoor furniture licence for two years during he COVID-19 pandemic; however, their application for renewal was rejected this year.
They said they were told by Dublin City Council to "reapply in January when we hired a company to draw out a map professionally."
Last Friday management were told this was licence was refused with "no reason."
A view outside Street 66 on Dublin's Parliament Street. Picture via @st66dublin on TwitterA day later a bike rack was placed in the loading bay with no warning - with management suggesting the rack is now a health and safety issue.
"We have had no chance to appeal," management said.
"We want answers and our outdoor area reinstalled to help improve [the] city centre for our customers and visitors alike".
I am calling on @DubCityCouncil to come out and check if this is now a health and safety issue . Blocking our front with racks @HSELive @rteliveline @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/cRlyG98YEB
— Street 66 Dublin (@st66dublin) June 13, 2023
Labour Councillor Declan Meenagh has hit out at the decision.
"I am still waiting on answers," he said.
"This really is not good enough for a city recovery and for a good outdoor summer which Dublin needs".
The timing of the move has also been called into question, ahead of the Dublin Pride Parade at the end of June.
A view looking across Dublin's Parliament Street to Street 66. Picture via @st66dublin on TwitterA petition to have the bike rack removed has garnered more than 3,000 signatures.
Green Councillor Claire Byrne also raised the issue at a meeting on Monday.
"I'm obviously very pro-bike parking, that's not the issue," she said.
"The two issue here [are] I've been asking for a report on street furniture for the last two months to come to this area committee.
"I know myself, and other councillors as well I'm sure, are receiving a lot of e-mails from business - not just from Parliament Street, but from around the city - where there doesn't seem to be any coherent plan when it comes to granting street furniture licences".
Cllr Byrne said this does move not make sense.
"There's just no joined up thinking or coherent strategy around pedestrianisation, outdoor seating, the future of the city," he said.
"We're about to appoint a night-time advisor, which is all about ensuring that we have daytime and night-time activities.
"It's critical to the survival of the city, it's critical to the survival of these businesses.
"So, I'd love to know what's going on," she added.
A request for comment from Dublin City Council was not responded to at the original time of publication.
