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Reopening roadmap: restrictions to ease – says Taoiseach

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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

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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