Tougher restrictions 'put people's physical and mental health at risk' 

Active Ireland, the national association for the leisure, health and fitness sector, said  government support was vital for an industry already reeling from the March lockdown

The physical and mental health of the nation is facing another bleak period if further draconian restrictions are put in place, while young people will suffer huge fallout from an employment point of view, according to people in the health and fitness industry.

While Level 5 restrictions appear to have been ruled out for now, the uncertainty and fear for the industry are palpable, they said.