‘If that goes well, then we can consider hospitality in June’, was the message on Tuesday from Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, referring to the numbers for virus cases, in hospitals, new variants and vaccine rollout all going in the right direction in the coming weeks.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin agreed that the public can expect ‘to enjoy much greater freedom later in the summer’. While unable to be specific regarding dates for the reopening of the hospitality sector, a path has now been outlined which suggests that we may be able to holiday in Ireland from June, or possibly July.
A lot of caveats still apply however, and our behaviour over the coming weeks will be the most important factor in determining if this outline plan will come to pass. Local hotels are taking no chances.
Caroline Spollen, Sales & Marketing Manager of The Hardiman Hotel, emphasises the safety first policy of the iconic 4 star Eyre Square hote.
“The commitment from the team at The Hardiman is to provide memorable experiences with safety at the forefront, which has never been stronger, and we will continue to work in providing the highest health and safety standards to ensure peace of mind and comfort with our ‘Keep each other safe’ initiative, which we rolled out in The Hardiman last year”.
"Physical distancing, hand sanitiser stations, directional signage, employee training, use of protective equipment worn by all employees, updated cleaning protocols, are just some of the steps put in place at The Hardiman last year and again for the upcoming summer season, to ensure guest safety,” Caroline added.
Padraig Nolan, General Manager of The Oranmore Lodge Hotel is looking forward to reopening and provides reassurance for guests looking to book the highly regarded 4 star family-run hotel.
“We offer full free cancellation up to 48 hours prior to arrival, and we have offered the change of date facility for all bookings during the various lockdowns."
Padraig confirms that the hotel has completed the Failte Ireland covid 19 Safety Charter and has introduced enhanced cleaning and sanitisation procedures throughout the hotel.
"The hotel has ample public area spaces to provide both socially distanced dining along with private group dining facilities for both residents and non residents. The hotel looks forward to reopening its doors when the time is right and welcoming guests back to the hotel.
"While lots of the physical elements of the experience have changed due to Covid-19, guests to the Oranmore Lodge can be assured of the same friendly welcome and quality food and service that Oranmore Lodge Hotel has a proud tradition of delivering.”
Some good news for the hospitality sector
A multi-million euro fund to help businesses serving food pay for more outdoor seating has also been announced. Minister for Tourism, Catherine Martin, announced the establishment of a €17m fund where businesses serving food can apply for funding to help pay for more outdoor seating.
The outdoor dining enhancement scheme will be run by Fáilte Ireland and local authorities around the country. Part one will be available to individual tourism and hospitality businesses including cafes, hotels, restaurants and attractions where food is sold for consumption on the premises.
Minister Martin said the scheme aims to help businesses increase their dining and seating capacity in the short-term and "enable a long-term strategy for local authorities to develop appropriate permanent weatherproofed outdoor dining infrastructure”.
Grants would average around €4,000 for each premises and can cover expenses incurred since last April.Local authorities will also be able to apply for funding to develop permanent public dining spaces in specially zoned streets in towns and cities.
This will facilitate weather-proofing to allow outdoor dining all year-round with parasols, wind breakers and electric heaters. Each local authority can apply for funding of €200,000 and additional funding may be made available subject to the economic value of the proposals.
