Matches, open air concerts and outdoor events from June 7

Dr Tony Holohan, Professor Philip Nolan, Professor Pete Lunn, and Dr Cillian De Gascun. The National Public Health Emergency Team has recommended that some measures be eased earlier than expected, allowing for the resumption of outdoor events of up to 100 people, or 200 in larger stadia, from the first week in June. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

The return of crowds at matches, open air concerts, and other outdoor events is part of a grand reopening of the country from June 7, due to be announced by the Government today.

However, pubs and restaurants will not be allowed to serve customers indoors until July 5, which has been met by strong criticism from hospitality sector representatives who have threatened legal action over the delay.

In a surprise move, the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) has recommended that some measures be eased earlier than expected, allowing for the resumption of outdoor events of up to 100 people, or 200 in larger stadia, from the first week in June. 

Cinemas have also been added to the June 7 reopening list.

The numbers of people permitted to attend open-air events will increase on a phased basis over the summer, opening up the possibility of crowds of 5,000 at Croke Park for Championship games as well as concerts and other events.

Hotels and guesthouses have also been given the green light to reopen from June 2.

However, a note of caution was issued by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly who cast serious doubt over the June vaccination target due to significant difficulties with the supply of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Mr Donnelly said it is "unclear" if the Government's target of vaccinating, or offering a dose, to 80% of adults by the end of June will be met.

While Ireland had a contract for 600,000 doses of the one-shot vaccine, Mr Donnelly told the Dáil that the best-case scenario is that 235,000 will be delivered. In the worst case, it would be just 60,000.

Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath last night said any changes to the vaccination programme would not alter the plans to reopen the economy.

"We want to see a return of international travel as soon as possible," Mr McGrath told RTÉ's Prime Time, confirming July for the reopening of aviation.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will announce the latest easing of restrictions this evening to include a phased reopening of hospitality, sport, and expected clarity around international travel.

Members of the Covid sub-committee last night met to agree on the finer details of the plans after Nphet advised that outdoor gatherings of at least 100 people can recommence from as soon as early next month.

The number of attendees will increase again to see 200 people at outdoor events from July 5. 

Larger stadiums will be allowed to organise events with up to 500 people from the same date.

July 5 has also been marked as the date for the return of indoor sports and exercise activities such as dance classes and team training and the number of guests allowed to attend wedding celebrations will increase to 50.

Reacting to the news, the Restaurants Association of Ireland said it is heading to court at the earliest opportunity in order to seek equality of opportunity when it comes to reopening in line with hotel restaurants.

Government’s decision to reopen indoor dining in Hotels on June 2nd ahead of Restaurants, Gastro Pubs & Cafes is built on zero scientific or medical evidence.

For that reason the Restaurants Association of Ireland 🇮🇪 @RAI_ie will be challenging the Statutory Instrument next week

— Adrian Cummins 🇮🇪🇪🇺🇵🇸 (@adriancummins) May 27, 2021

As the country prepares for a further relaxation of restrictions, the Cabinet is expected to announce on what date Ireland will sign up to the EU Digital Green Cert, which will clear the way for international travel to recommence.

However, it is expected that it will be mid-July before people are allowed to go abroad on holidays or leave the country for non-essential purposes.

Ministers will also approve a plan which will see a number of test music and sporting events return with thousands of spectators present.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he is "keen" to get back to watching a match and to get back in the stands and told the Dáil that he is "increasingly confident" this will be possible over the summer, with plans underway for "trials" of outdoor sporting events with spectators.

“We’ll make a decision on this at the Cabinet meeting on Friday but I can say that Minister Martin and Minister Chambers have worked up some plans to allow a number of trials of outdoor sporting events with spectators, thousands of spectators, to happen across June and July," he said.