One local councillor says we need to look at the example set in Cork and Kerry.
Public safety and planning laws may trump outdoor dining plans for some Westmeath businesses.
The local authority's director of services, Barry Kehoe, says safe passage of buggies and wheelchairs will be prioritised.
The outdoor dining scheme stipulates that outstanding rates, from before the pandemic, must also be cleared.
Mr. Kehoe says the council will give the bounce of the ball to business, and parking in some areas will be sacrificed to make space for outdoor dining - but safety will not be compromised.
Fine Gael councillor Emily Wallace says the local authority needs to look at the example set by Cork and Kerry:
Uisce Eireann Continues Public Appeal For Public To Conserve Water
Offaly Firefighters Raise €2k For Lifesaving Defibrillator Ahead Of Marathon Run
Offaly Set For Major Energy Storage Project Involving Google
Midlands Children Raise More Than €9,000 On National Pyjama Day
Offaly Community Urged To Back Courthouse Transformation Plans
Laois Town Sees Sharp Housing Price Growth Amid Rising Population
Westmeath Man Charged Over Taser Claims “It's Normal For Truck Drivers To Have Them”
Laois Film On Ageing And Care Set To Benefit Future Families And Carers
Simon Community Voice Concern Over New Housing Bill
Plans Lodged For 66 New Homes In Offaly Town
Uisce Eireann Working To Repair Burst Water Main In Westmeath
Laois Records Fastest Rise In Midlands House Prices
Two New Fast Food Restaurants Opening In Midlands This Week
Midlands TDs Highlight Dental Care Issues
HSE Warns People In Midlands Over Hot Spell Dangers
Revenue Seize Contraband Worth Over €246k
Westmeath Mental Health Unit Found Non-Compliant In Eight Areas
CORU Approval To Expand TUS Social Work Training To Midlands Campus
Midlands Pubs Raise A Glass To Ireland’s Peatland Heritage
Children Have A Right To An Education - Sorca Clarke