Taoiseach announces easing of restrictions on travel, sport, hospitality and more

Fri, 28 May, 2021 - 20:11

Daniel McConnell and Elaine Loughlin

The end of the Covid-19 pandemic is within our grasp, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said as he announced the most significant easing of restrictions since lockdowns were introduced.

Speaking in a televised address to the country, Mr Martin said given the progress made in May and the level of vaccination, all of the plans for June can go ahead.

“From the second of June hotels, B&B's, guest houses and self catering accommodation can reopen for guests and from the seventh of June, outdoor services and bars and restaurants can recommence,” he said.

"Along with all the other measures announced previously, we are able to add the following changes from the seventh of June, up to 200 people can attend outdoor events in venues with a minimum capacity of 5000 up to 100 can attend, attend other outdoor events. Cinemas and theatres, will also reopen,” he said.

"In light of the very genuine concerns regarding road safety, we also will see a started reopening of driver theory test, services, and an incremental reopening of driver test centres," Mr Martin said.

"There will also be a number of pilot sporting and cultural events taking place in June and early July, to test the logistical requirements for further reopening. It is important to emphasise that we are able to take these steps, because our overall strategy is working. And because all of you have made the right choices.

“I'm also conscious that many sectors of our society want and need some indication of what plans they might need to make for later in the summer,” he said.

"Subject to continued progress against the virus, we would like to make the following changes in August from the fifth of August. We will see a further increase in numbers attending indoor events with 200 and larger venues and 100 in all others, he said.

“A further increase in numbers attending outdoor events, the 50% capacity restriction on public transport will be lifted up to 100 guests will be able to attend weddings," the Taoiseach said.

A one-off grants scheme has been approved for pubs and restaurants to aid them in their re-opening, he added.

Mr Martin said that, while the decisions taken so far have been of significant frustration to many sectors, on the key metrics it has proven to be the correct one.

However, continued progress is not inevitable, he said.

The Taoiseach also said the status of the new Indian variant would continue to be monitored going forward.

International travel

New rules for inbound travel have also been announced with different rules in place depending on whether people are coming from the EU or other countries.

Those arriving from Europe who have a digital cert that shows they have either had Covid or have a negative PCR test will be allowed free access.

However, if a person arrives from an EU country with no digital green cert or one that states that they only have received an antigen test then a PCR test will be required. No one arriving from EU countries will have to quarantine.

Travellers from outside the EU can enter freely if they are vaccinated, however, those who are unvaccinated will have to get a PCR test and will have to self-quarantine on arrival.

The rules also allow for an "emergency brake" which would impose hotel quarantining on some countries outside the EU if there are concerns around variants.

However, mandatory quarantine in this case would only apply to those who are unvaccinated, but all people would be required to get two PCR tests.

Reopening Ireland - at a glance

June 2

Hotels, B&Bs, hostels and self-catering accommodation can reopen

June 7

Unvaccinated households can have visitors from one other household inside the home
Up to 25 people can attend a wedding celebration or reception
Outdoor sports matches can take place
Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres can reopen for individual training
Restaurants and bars can resume outdoor services
Max. 100 people can attend organised outdoor events. For outdoor venues with a capacity of 5,000, a maximum of 200 people can attend an organised event
Cinemas and theatres to reopen
Phased reopening of day centres for older people
25,000 driver theory tests per month to take place
Pilot live events to take place

July 5

Visitor from up to three households allowed in the home
Up to 50 people can attend a wedding celebration or reception
Max 50 people can attend organised indoor events. Larger venues can have up to 100 people with strict public health measures in place
Max 200 people can attend organised outdoor events. Outdoor venues with capacity of 5,000 can have up to 500 people
Indoor training, exercise and dance activities can resume in pods of up to six
Bars and restaurants can resume indoor service

July 19

International travel can resume (subject to public health situation at the time)
Ireland will start operating the EU Digital Covid Certificate for travel within the EU and EEA
No restrictions on travel to or from the North

Under consideration for August