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Planning permission has been approved for the first 'parklets' on the streets of Newry City. A parklet is a new idea for this part of the world and is usually located in place of car park space/spaces and usually provides seating or a green area but has many other potential uses. They became popular worldwide and locally around Ireland from the start of the Covid 19 pandemic. Dundalk has embraced their use in the town centre, outside cafes especially. Newry BID is championing the initiative and the Newry parklets have the potential to enhance and expand the space available for dining for the three cafe/ restaurants approved.
The parklets approved are for spaces located outside/ adjacant to Finegan and Son Restaurant, 5-6 Kildare Street; La Dolce Vita Pizza Burger Bar at 2 O'Hagan Street and outside Cafe Krem at 14-16 & 18B Hill Street. The facilities will provide for outdoor dining at all three locations and will not encroach on the footpath space. The parklets will be made of wood effect panelling and will include a raised area on which tables and seating will be installed along with planters around the sides. Planning permission will allow the facilities to remain at their location for three years from the date of permission granted.
Gray Design who drew up the plans explained the reasoning behind the facilities "During the pandemic and subsequently in the period after it, a lot of business (café’s & restaurants) were struggling as they had to reduce number of customers inside their premises. Now restrictions in terms of number of customers inside are lifted, but some of the customers still do not feel comfortable to seat in close proximity to other people. It has been seen and proven in other towns & cities in UK & Ireland, that additional outdoor seating areas are beneficial for local businesses and town centres. The thinking behind this is that town & city centres are more pedestrian orientated and current car parking provision in Newry seems more than adequate for the size and the population."
Some of the coldest countries in the world have been the greatest champions of the parklet movement with provisions for heaters and overhead shelter on offer in many of them. It's not known at present the time scale for the provision of the parklets but when operational they will certainly be something that will give more options for Newry diners and coffee drinkers.
