A setback for Ireland. The rise of the Delta variant has forced the Irish government to reconsider its plan to lift restrictions. As a result, restaurants and pubs across the country will not be allowed to welcome guests indoors as initially scheduled for July 5. However, dining and drinking on outdoor terraces will still be permitted where available.
Ireland Slows Down the Easing of Restrictions
Hospitality Sector and Irish Pubs Directly Affected
The NPHET (Ireland’s public health institute) is clear: the Delta variant poses a risk of a resurgence in cases. Consequently, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has had to apply the brakes on the reopening roadmap.
This pause means restaurants and Irish pubs cannot fill their indoor spaces and must instead focus on outdoor seating with spaced tables and enhanced health measures.
The Irish Prime Minister also noted that the vaccination campaign is expected to accelerate rapidly across the country.
If supplies allow, people should be vaccinated more quickly in the coming weeks, giving us the chance to build a protective wall… a massive defense against Covid.
We don’t want to lose the progress we’ve made, and I believe our plan offers a sensible, safe, and balanced way forward,” added the Taoiseach.
This announcement is likely to disappoint hospitality and restaurant owners who had just started to see a recovery.
Mr. Martin acknowledged there would be anger and frustration from business owners but stressed that reopening as planned would jeopardize the progress made so far.
The Taoiseach called for “vigilance and patience” and assured business owners that support measures would be made available.
He also confirmed that international travel to Ireland would resume from July 19, provided travelers present a valid health pass.
