After hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for two years, we know what to expect
The President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, local hotelier Mark McGowan, says that after hosting the Fleadh for two years, the people of Drogheda are well equipped to deal with outdoor hospitality.
“We had two Fleadh Cheoils so people in Drogheda know what to expect when dining outdoors or socialising outdoors. There is no such thing as bad weather in Ireland, it is bad clothes, so you have to be prepared when you are going out.”
He was speaking as Scholars Townhouse Hotel prepares to reopen to outdoor dining from tomorrow and said he was “thrilled” to be able to do it.
“I am delighted we will get the chance to re-employ people and get people back to work cos that is how this whole thing is measured, getting our work force back.”
He said, “it is very regrettable that the Government decided to open up hotel restaurants separately to stand alone restaurants.”
“So I was able to serve my residents indoors in Scholars from the 2nd June and yet the local pizzeria is not able to serve its local community. That is very disappointing because there is nothing to suggest a hotel restaurant is safer than a stand-alone restaurant.”
He wants to see more emphasis on ventilation which would, he says, allow stand-alone restaurants to open up earlier than next month.
