Will Dublin’s Grand Parade go ahead despite the risks linked to the Coronavirus? This question is set to be decided this week, specifically on Tuesday, March 10, during a meeting scheduled for 10:00 AM.

Two Dublin city councillors plan to submit an emergency motion calling for the cancellation of the Irish capital’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade. This motion will be presented on Tuesday to the City Council Committee.

Saint Patrick’s Day Event Cancellations: A Controversial Issue

Tough Decisions Expected This Week

The decision is expected to be challenging. There is a real tug-of-war between the Irish government—which is urging events to continue—and medical staff and activists who want to cancel any gatherings that could promote the spread of Coronavirus among the population.

The controversy is growing, creating complete uncertainty about how Ireland will celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day this year.

And it’s not just the Dublin parade at risk. Over 100 Saint Patrick’s Day parades and festivals planned across Ireland could be cancelled. With COVID-19 now present in Ireland, event organizers are currently facing “significant pressure” to prioritize public health.

Organizers of dozens of events are expected to meet within the next 72 hours to decide on the next steps.

As a reminder, there are currently more than 21 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Republic of Ireland, and many local parades across the country have already been cancelled, including Cork’s. Given the circumstances, this year’s Saint Patrick’s Day could look very different from previous years.

However, the Irish government is trying to reassure the public. It says it is closely monitoring the situation and urges people not to give in to panic or hysteria, especially in a context where the media seem to be overreacting.