Businesses in Clare say they’re anxiously anticipating extended opening hours for the hospitality sector.
NPHET has been meeting to make a series of recommendations to Government for exiting restrictions.
The widespread easing of Ireland’s Covid-19 restrictions is expected to be recommended by NPHET today, which met this morning to assess how and when that should be done.
Recommendations will go before Cabinet tomorrow, with an announcement expected in the evening.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin last night told his parliamentary party that the government’s in a good position to make a positive announcement, as Ireland’s now “well beyond the peak” of the Omicron wave.
While the Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath has said today that an easing of Covid restrictions will happen ‘within days’.
It’s expected the curfew on hospitality will be lifted as early as next week, full capacity sports grounds will be allowed along with increased capacity at live events; while a roadmap for the return to the office is also due.
Patrick O’Donoghue, who’s one of the owners of the Monks Restaurant in Ballyvaughan, says he’s anxiously awaiting favourable measures from this weekend.
For just over a month, pubs and restaurants have had to close at 8pm with indoor and outdoor events limited to 50 per cent capacity.
Anne Casey of Casey’s Bar in Sixmilebridge has likened the changing restrictions during the pandemic to being on a roundabout and says it’s time to move forward.
She says it’s vital that business supports are extended beyond January to ensure those who are struggling to keep their doors open can survive.
