Businesses in Temple Bar are putting forward a new plan to seat up to 3,000 diners outside the area’s pubs and restaurants.

Under the plan, customers would be seated on 17 streets across the city’s ‘cultural quarter.’

Pedestrian squares, loading bays, road and path space would all be opened up to diners.

According to The Irish Times, Fleet Street would accommodate the largest number of diners at 820.

This morning, Environment Minister Eamon Ryan gave his backing to the plan.

“It is a fairly extensive area Temple Bar,” he said.

“If you go right the way from the Civic Offices right down to Fleet Street, that is a very extensive area so I think it does make sense – as long as it can be done in a safe way.”

Minister Ryan was speaking after an extra €5m was allocated to tackle to the increasing litter problem in urban areas.

The money will be used to increase the number of bins available and towards awareness campaigns encouraging people to clean up after themselves.

Bernie Lewis, litter prevention officer with Dublin City Council, said extra bins and barrels are being placed in problem areas.

The plans for Temple Bar will now be submitted to Dublin City Council - which last year refused to allow street furniture in parts of the area.