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Country to move to Level 3 from December 1

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Taoiseach Micheál Martin has this evening (Friday) addressed the nation saying that Level 5 restrictions will be eased and will move to Level 3 - with some modifications - from December 1.

Earlier today the Cabinet met to sign off on the country’s exit from Level 5 restrictions.

Changes include:

  • Hotels, retail outlets, churches, gyms and museums, galleries, cinemas, and libraries to reopen from Tuesday, December 1.
  • Next Friday, December 4 cafes and restaurants (including hotel restaurants and bars) and pubs operating as restaurants (serving a substantial meal) are to reopen. Hotels are also set to reopen for indoor dining with additional restrictions, including a requirement for meals to be prepared on site, inside the premises. However, wet pubs must operate as a take-away service only. Additional supports will be made available to them.
  • People are asked to stay in their county until December 18 when it comes to travel.
  • From December 1, people are being asked to wear masks outdoors in busy streets and in places of worship.
  • Work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person.
  • Weddings may proceed, but with a limit of 25 guests for ceremony and reception.
  • Religious services open with a maximum of 50 people.
  • Up to 25 mourners can attend funerals.
  • Non contact training only in pods of up to 15 (for example: golf, tennis, horse riding, hunting, Gaelic games, soccer, outdoor basketball).

The Taoiseach said that the constant battle with COVID-19 “is tough and mentally exhausting” but added “we now have the second lowest infection rate in the European Union”.

“The Government has considered carefully the advice of NPHET, we have listened to and studied all the information available to us.”

As we exit Level 5 restrictions, he added, “we do so with a deep desire not to go back”.

“2020 has been a remarkable year, a year we’ve made huge sacrifices for the common good. We will come through this together.”

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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