News
Reopening roadmap: restrictions to ease – says Taoiseach

In an address to the nation this evening (Tuesday), Taoiseach Micheál Martin, outlined the next phase of easing restrictions 'COVID-19: Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting'.
The Government has agreed that during the period between September 1 and October 22, they will continue the careful and gradual approach to reopening, while supporting maximum reach of the vaccine programme and allowing time to achieve the full benefits for all those currently being vaccinated.
"Your effort and sacrifice has helped to save lives," he said.
He added that because of the uptake of the vaccine by the public that "we're now entering a whole new phase of the pandemic".
The Government has agreed that "the time is now right" to reopen many more sectors of society.
He added that if a new variant emerges "we will move quickly to respond" to it.
With the Delta variant, he added, "great uncertainty remains" and "we will have to remain vigilant". As we move in to this new phase, he said, "it'll be a time of trepidation for some".
EASING OF RESTRICTIONS:
Sept 1: Public transport will return to 100% capacity
Sept 6: Organised indoor events and mass gatherings can take place with capacity limits of 60% where all patrons are immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within previous 6 months), or accompanied minors (under 18), in line with sectoral guidance.
Sept 6: Cinemas and theatres will have capacity limits of 60% of venue capacity where all patrons are immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within previous 6 months
Sept 6: Outdoor events are permitted at a 75% capacity where all patrons are immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within previous 6 months), or accompanied minors (under 18), in line with sectoral guidance.
Sept 6: All religious ceremonies can proceed with 50% of venue capacity, regardless of immunity status of attendees.
Sept 6: Coach tour activity can recommence at 50% capacity with protective measures.
Sept 20: Organised indoor group activities (sports, arts, culture, dance classes) can take place with capacity limits of 100 people (with appropriate protective measures) where all patrons are immune (fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 within previous 6 months), or accompanied minors (under 18).
Sept 20: Restrictions on outdoor group activities for participants will be removed.
Sept 20: Return to work can be done on a phased basis
Sept 20: Restrictions on outdoor group activities for participants will be removed.
Oct 22: Almost all restrictions lifted but masks will be needed in some settings
COVID CASES
This evening 1,382 additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed while 355 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, with 54 of those patients in intensive care (ICU).
VACCINES
As of yesterday (Monday), there have been 6,818,637 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland:
* 3,451,531 people have received their first dose
* 3,367,106 people are fully vaccinated
News
MTU hosts Active Ageing Festival at Kerry Sports Academy
Young students got to share their learning skills while an older group showed patience and experience during the ‘Active Ageing Festival’. Held in Munster Technological University last week the event, […]

Young students got to share their learning skills while an older group showed patience and experience during the ‘Active Ageing Festival’.
Held in Munster Technological University last week the event, in conjunction with Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership (KRSP), saw 150 people engaged with a busy schedule of activities, facilitated by the students and staff of the Department of Health and Leisure Studies.
Dr Barry Moynihan, Consultant Geriatrician in University Hospital Kerry opened the event with an informative talk on the importance of movement as we age.
Many community organisations and networks were represented on the day such as HSE, Baile Mhuire, Kerry Library, Kerry Call, SeanChairde, Centre of Smart Ageing, Probus and Age and Opportunity.
Activities such as Pickleball, Bowls, Better Balance Better Bones, Dance and Yoga were also showcased.
Gearoid O’Doherty, coordinator of the KRSP, highlighted the need for more community-based activities for older adults across Kerry and the role of the partnership in supporting this development.
It is hoped that other venues across the county can facilitate a similar event in the future.
MTU lecturer and event coordinator Eimear Foley, spoke of the mutual benefit that this day provided to both participants and students.
“The real-life experience afforded to the students is immense, with involvement in planning, delivering and evaluation of the event to the fore.”
Within their course, the concept of being active across the lifespan is embedded and this opportunity for the students to engage in real life learning is paramount. Older people can generate community-based learning experiences not only for themselves but also for the young. Many of the participants commented on the professionalism, warmth and enthusiasm of the students, whilst the students were delighted with the patience shown to them and ease of conversation with the participants.
News
Killarney to feature on TG4’s Country Music show
By Sean Moriarty A song about Killarney – once made famous by local Country Music hero Dermot Moriarty – will feature on TG4 tomorrow night (Tuesday). The second series of […]

By Sean Moriarty
A song about Killarney – once made famous by local Country Music hero Dermot Moriarty – will feature on TG4 tomorrow night (Tuesday).
The second series of the Irish channel’s County Music show ‘Viva Ceol Tire’, which highlights emerging Country Music talent in Ireland, airs every Tuesday night at 9.30pm.
The next programme will feature Donegal singer David James’ version of ‘Oh Killarney’.
The programme was filmed entirely on location in Killarney including Torc Waterfall, Ladies View Moll’s Gap and Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
“The song was written by Dennis Allen. However, it was a hit for Dermot Moriarty in the 1980s. The first time I heard it I loved it and I was thrilled with the reaction my version has got,” James, who is from the small village of Killean in Donegal, told the Killarney Advertiser.
“It’s pretty rural but I love it. I’ll be in Country Music 10 years this May. My first gig was in the local GAA hall for my aunt’s 50th birthday. I was 14 and I’ve been at it ever since.”
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