Supreme Court dismisses Gemma O'Doherty and John Waters' Covid-19 measures challenge

Ms O'Doherty had argued that the measures were taken over a virus that was "no different to the common cold".

In their action, Gemma O'Doherty (left) and John Waters (right) had challenged legislation including the 2020 Health Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act; the 2020 Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act Covid-19 Act and the 1947 Health Act (Affected Areas) Order. File picture: Collins Courts

The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a decision to dismiss Gemma O’Doherty and John Waters' challenge to the constitutionality of laws introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a six-to-one majority decision the Supreme Court's ruling brings to an end a controversial legal action before the Irish courts that commenced shortly after the State introduced various regulations, restrictions, and measures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic over two years ago.