The Parish Priest of Ennis is urging the Government to acknowledge the grief that many families have suffered through the loss of a loved one during the pandemic.
As part of the latest easing of restrictions, the number of people who can attend a funeral has increased, while some outdoor sports have resumed and some attractions have re-opened.
Zoos, petting farms and heritage sites can reopen to the public today as part of the latest easing of restrictions, while some outdoor sports can resume.
Young people are allowed to take part in non-contact training in pods of less than 15 and the number of people allowed to attend a funeral has increased to 25.
On Thursday the full cabinet will meet to sign off on the easing of restrictions through May, and a roadmap for June and July.
Most of the plans have been well flagged in advance, including the return of religious services, retail, the full construction sector and personal services like hairdressers.
While discussion is ongoing about extra outdoor activities that may be allowed next month.
Hotels widely expected to be given the go ahead to reopen their doors for non-essential visitors in either June or July.
What’s not as clear, however, is when intercounty travel will be permitted, with people having been unable to travel across county borders for non-essential reasons since December 27th.
Chair of the Shannon branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, Dermot Kelly, who co-owns the Shannon Springs Hotel, doesn’t believe local hotels will be viable if they’re open to visitors from this county only.
Up to now, only 10 people were allowed to attend funerals and the Parish Priest of Ennis fears that families who have suffered a loss during the pandemic haven’t had the opportunity to properly grieve.
Fr Tom Ryan believes this could have serious consequences for people’s mental health down the line and he’s calling for clarity from the Government.
However, there’s been no discussion of increasing the number of people allowed at weddings from the current six.
Religious services like mass are expected to be allowed to resume next month with a cap of 50 attendees.
Aontú leader and TD Peadar Toibin says the position is ridiculous.
