A North Clare hotelier claims current rules surrounding mandatory hotel quarantine could be damaging for the country’s reputation as a tourist destination.
Arrivals from 58 countries now have to stay in the facilities for 12 nights at their own expense or run the risk of jail-time or a fine.
It’s feared the midwest could be disproportionately impacted by the introduction of mandatory quarantine for all passengers due to the high level of business and leisure tourism from the states.
The issue of mandtory hotel qurantine has been the source of deep divisions in the Cabinet, with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly favouring the inclusion of 17 EU countries, along with the US on the list.
However that plan was dropped last week, with Foreign Affairs minister Simon Coveney reportedly expressing concerns that it would affect Irish citizens living in EU countries who return for their summer holidays.
He’s also concerned about potential legal issues relating to freedom of travel within the EU.
Among the countries scratched from the revised mandatory quarantine list were Italy, Germany and France who are currently fighting another wave of the virus.
Talks are due to take place later this week between officials and ministers on the issue, amid fear there isn’t enough hotel capacity or staff for huge numbers.
The possibility of home quarantine and the use of vaccinations to reduce quarantine times are also expected to be discussed.
Public health physician Dr Gabriel Scally believes all incoming passengers should face hotel quarantine.
A north Clare Hotelier believes passengers who have already received their vaccine should be allowed to travel here without facing the prospect of mandatory hotel quarantine.
Past President of the Irish Hotels Federation, Michael Vaughan of Vaughan’s Lodge Lahinch believes putting some countries on the list, particularly the likes of the US could be damaging, both to the country’s reputation and politically.
He believes a timeline is needed from Government.
