Affording his thoughts following the recent Covid-19 easing of restrictions announcement by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, Local Minister of State, Deputy Robert Troy, has urged constituents to exercise caution and adhere to public health guidance to ensure positive gains are not lost.
“The progress we have made since the beginning of this year has been very positive and the future looks hopeful for a safe return to all workplaces.
“Recovery will include economic measures to help businesses and return individuals back to work. Clear sectoral guidance and supports for business will be provided at each stage to ensure safe reopening. I want to reassure you that there will be no cliff edge in financial supports for businesses.
“In light of the phased reopening, any business currently availing of CRSS and that can reopen as restrictions are eased will be able to avail of double restart week payments for two weeks subject to the statutory maximum of €5,000 per week to support them in meeting the costs of reopening as they exit the scheme.
“Furthermore, existing business supports committed to end of June remain in place, including CRSS, EWSS and tax warehousing. Towards the end of May, the Government will reveal the national economic recovery plan with a new direction and approach which will bring clarity and certainty as to what supports are available after June 30.
“We will continue to do everything we can to support you and make sure that together as a people we emerge from the pandemic in a position where we can rebuild our society and our economy,” Deputy Troy asserted.
Phased Easing of Restrictions
From 10 May
• An increase in the numbers that can meet outdoors for social/recreational purposes, including in private gardens – maximum of three households or six people from any number of households. This limit of six does not include their children aged 12 or younger
• Organised outdoor gatherings with a maximum attendance of 15 people
• Outdoor training for adults in pods of a maximum of 15 people
• Phased reopening of non-essential retail. Click and collect by appointment and outdoor retail can recommence from 10 May. All remaining retail to reopen from May 17
• Reopening of personal services by appointment
• Reopening of galleries, museums, other cultural attractions
• Libraries to reopen for lending services. No access to reader spaces/PCs
• Recommencement of religious services. It is advised that other religious ceremonies such as communions and confirmations should not take place at this time
• Funerals – 50 mourners permitted at service. Related events, either before or after, should not take place
• Weddings – 50 guests permitted at service (civil or religious ). For celebrations/receptions, a maximum of six people for indoor gatherings and 15 people for outdoor gatherings
• Inter-county travel can resume
• Increase in numbers on public transport, up to 50 percent of normal capacity
From June 2
• Accommodation services including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and hostels can reopen. Services including leisure facilities, indoor restaurant and bar services must be restricted to overnight guests/residents only.
From June 7
• Outdoor sports matches can recommence. No spectators are permitted
• Gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres can reopen for individual training only
• Outdoor services in restaurants and bars can recommence, with groups limited to a maximum of six people
• The numbers of guests attending wedding celebrations/receptions can increase to 25
• Visiting indoors in private homes – visitors from one other household are permitted
