Pathway to re-open the Irish economy updated April 2021
Some lockdown restrictions in Ireland are to be lifted in the coming weeks, the country's prime minister has said.
On the 29th of April, Micheál Martin declared "hope is returning" as he announced to the nation on TV. As more than 1.5 million doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered, the government have paved the path to re-open the economy starting from May.
From 4 May:
Construction All construction can restart
Outdoor workers Workers who work outdoors can return to work
Entry Visa Begin to accept new entry visa applications
From 10 May
Travel You can travel between counties in Ireland
Visitors to your garden Max of 3 households or 6 people from any number of households
Outdoor gatherings Max 15 people
Outdoor training Max 15 people
Retail Click & collect, in-store by appointment only, and outdoor retail
can recommence from 10 May
Funerals Max 50 mourners at service. No other events to take place
Weddings Max 50 guests at service. Max 6 at indoor reception/15 outdoors
Public transport Run at 50% capacity
Property viewings By appointment only with licensed Property Service Providers
Personal services Can reopen for customers with appointments only (i.e.
hairdressers, barbers, beauticians)
Stationary mobile Can ravel between counties in Ireland to your stationary mobile home or caravan homes and caravans
Galleries, museums, Can reopen
libraries and other
cultural attractions
Vaccine bonus If you are vaccinated - you can visit other households indoors
From 17 May:
All retail All remaining retail can reopen
From 2 June (subject to the public health situation):
Hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and hostels can be open again.
From 7 June (subject to conditions):
Restaurants and bars can open outside in groups of up to six customers.
Outdoor sports matches can be played again but with no spectators. Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres can reopen for individual training only.
The numbers of guests attending wedding celebrations/receptions can increase to 25.
Visiting indoors in private homes - visitors from one other household are permitted.
July and beyond:
Mr Martin said he hoped to see aviation and tourism return to business and students back on campus after July.
No dates were given for indoor hospitality, indoor sports matches, mass gatherings and international travel. It will likely be considered after the summer.
Remote working is to continue, unless it's necessary to return to the workplace.
The government is choosing a slower reopening of the economy than most of its EU peers after a relaxation of measures in December triggered a huge spike in cases. This disruption in the economy is likely to see an increase in change in work circumstances for employment permit holders.
If you are an employment permit holder and you have been affected by temporary lay off, reduced hours, or be redundancy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, please feel free to call us today at +353 872400433 or email info@futuredirect.ie. We will advise you on the best way to handle your particular set of circumstances.