The Government’s roadmap out of restrictions has been met with cautious optimism in Clare.
All Covid-19 restrictions will end on October 22nd, with a move towards personal responsibility.
The Taoiseach says the country’s taking an important step forward, as he outlined how restrictions will be eased over the coming weeks.
Masks will remain a legal requirement on public transport, in shops and in healthcare settings.
The numbers allowed at weddings will remain at 100 until October 22nd, but the prohibition on dancing at weddings will be removed from Monday, while outdoor events can operate at 75 per cent capacity for vaccinated people.
Clare Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway has described it as a day of hope, but says while there’s room for positivity, we have to be realistic also.
The Government will continue to monitor Covid-19 levels and make decisions if or when new variants of concern emerge.
Clare’s Indpendent TD Michael McNamara insists however that it wouldn’t be feasible to re-introduce lockdown measures at any point in the future.
A prominent Clare coach operator believes the sector may have a difficulty in sourcing drivers as society and the economy emerges from the pandemic.
Public transport capacity is to increase to 100 percent again from today, with the private sector following suit.
It’s expected the industry here and elsewhere may not be in a position to fully recover from the effects of the pandemic until at least March of next year when the 2022 tourism season begins.
Brian Farrell of Burren Coaches says further Government supports will be needed for the fuller hospitality sector for at least the medium term.
A Clare wedding band has welcomed the positive news for the live events sector, but says for many in his industry, the future remains unclear.
Manager and Musician in Inagh-based band The Brass Monkeys, Adam Daniel says winding down the PUP is a major concern.
The Tánaiste says workers will have to honour their contracts if an employer asks them to return to the office later this month.
The phased return will begin from September 20th under the governments new roadmap out of Covid-19 restrictions.
Tens of thousands of people have been working from home through the pandemic.
Head of Enterprise at Clare Local Enterprise Office Padraig McElwee says it will help build confidence for businesses.
