Clare TD Welcomes New Restrictions As “Necessary”

Clare’s Sinn Féin TD has welcomed the latest suite of sweeping measures to contain the spread of the Coronavirus in Ireland, saying they are more than necessary.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced last evening that as of today, gatherings of any more than four people are banned with immediate effect, while only essential businesses are to remain open.

Welfare payments have also been increased – those who have lost their job due to COVID-19 will now get €350 per week, while a Wage Subsidy Scheme will also be put in place aimed at encouraging employers to keep workers on their payroll.

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Kilrush Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne says though these measures are more stringent that what has been in place for the past fortnight, it’s needed.

The announcement didn’t ban people from going to the likes of beaches and woodland walks, however, despite throngs of people flocking to spots like this in Clare last weekend, causing outcry on social media.

Nevertheless Chairman of the 12 O’Clock Hills Project Pat Neville says they will close their walkways, near Kilkishen, this weekend on a trial basis to stop a repeat of what was seen on Sunday.