Section 254 Licencing

Applying for a Section 254 Outdoor Seating Licence

This guide outlines the steps and requirements for obtaining an annual Section 254 licence for outdoor seating in Galway County.

Required Documentation:

Completed Section 254 application form

• Relevant application fee (contact section254licences@galwaycoco.ie to confirm fee)
• Description of the business and justification for outdoor seating
• Public liability insurance:
  • Must indemnify Galway County Council
  • Must explicitly cover the proposed outdoor seating area
• Detailed site plan including:
  • Exact area requested (must be directly outside the business)
  • Proposed boundary treatment
  • Number of tables and chairs
• Letters of consent from adjoining businesses/buildings confirming no objections

Important Notes:

Incomplete applications will be returned and deemed invalid.

Applications will not be processed until full payment is received.

All structures must be removed outside of business hours.

Each application is assessed individually in consultation with the relevant Area Office.

Section 254: Finger Post Sign Licences

This document outlines the application process, requirements, and specifications for obtaining a licence for finger post signs in Galway County.

Application Requirements

To apply, submit the following:

• Completed Section 254 application form
• Site location map - 1/2500 scale.
• Road/junction name of preferred location of fingerpost sign.
• Appropriate fee.

Important Notes

• Incomplete applications will be invalidated and returned to applicant.
• Applications cannot proceed until payment is received.
• A separate application is required for each individual sign.
• All applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, on their merits and in conjunction with the Area Office.

Specifications for Signs

• All signs to be manufactured in accordance with current Department of the Environment standards specified for the construction of traffic signs.
• Signs shall be of fingerpost type only, measuring 1000mm (max length) x 312mm. Where necessary script may be condensed to 70% of its normal width to comply with this length restriction.
• The basic design will conform to the normal design for traffic signs and will feature white legend, borders, arrows, and chevrons on a brown background. The shade of brown recommended in 411 of BS381C ‘middle brown’.
• Signs shall be purchased by the owner of the premises to be advertised and shall comply with the foregoing specifications.
• Galway County Council will erect a pole at suitable road junctions and will erect signs on receipt from approved applications. Signs for more than one premises may be erected by the Council on the same pole.

Licensing Conditions

• Signs will not be licensed unless the premises to be advertised and the use of such premises for the purpose advertised has been authorised by permission under the Planning Acts or unless the premises does not require a grant of planning permission by virtue of the provisions of the Planning Acts or Regulations made thereunder.
• A single pole will be allowed at the road junction apart from any County Council statutory directional sign.
• A maximum of 4 no. signs shall be allowed on each pole.
• No establishment may have more than one fingerpost sign.
• The establishment shall be within 8 km of the location of the sign.
• Signage in the Gaeltacht area shall be in the Irish language.

Any sign on a public road/footpath will require a license from Galway County Council.