The government is finalising its medium term plan for living with the Coronavirus today.
The cabinet sub-committee on COVID will meet this afternoon to discuss it.
The plan is expected to see significant changes to the State’s aviation policies.
This will see Ireland adopt a new system for international travel being developed by the European Commission, in a move that would lead to a further easing of quarantine rules for those travelling to Ireland from EU countries with low instances of COVID-19.
Tomorrow’s publication of the Government’s new medium-term Covid-19 plan will be closely scrutinised here in Clare, and in particular by those whose livelihoods are dependent on Shannon Airport.
International travel will be at the centre of the plan and it’s believed the Government could opt into the European’s new colour-coded system, which sees countries classified as green, amber or red, depending on their COVID-19 rates.
It’s after the Taoiseach confirmed that the Green List will not be updated and a new scheme for travel will be included in the plan.
Senator Timmy Dooley says he would be in favour of Ireland adopting a co-ordinated approach with Europe.
There is growing concern at the threat of both Ryanair and Aer Lingus moving its bases temporarily away from Shannon amid strict quarantine rules here.
Aviation Journalist, Eoghan Corry says an announcement on supports for the airport is urgently needed, as well as measures which will ensure Shannon Airport can remain viable.
He doesn’t believe there’s a need for any panic about Ryanair’s announcement, but he says Shannon is walking on thin ice.
