Tourism businesses fear recovery could take years
Updated / Sunday, 14 Feb 2021
15:22
Tom Bourke's beer garden has an uninterrupted view of Croagh Patrick.
The owner of The Towers gastropub on the Westport's quay knows this precious outdoor space is the key to his future in business, when and if he can open.
"I weatherproofed the garden because when Covid came I lost one third of my indoor seating," he told RTÉ’s This Week.
Tom put down an astroturf floor and put up a stretch tent to cover part of the garden. He also installed heating and lighting, extending his gastropub by a further 80 seats.