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Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin

Ireland presses ahead with phased easing of restrictions

Ireland presses ahead with phased easing of restrictions

Outdoor sporting activities and dance classes resume; visitor attractions reopen

In a massive boost for tourism and sport across Ireland, five more major Covid-related restrictions are removed from today, 26 April. The changes are part of the phased relaxation of pandemic curbs throughout April and May, announced by the government in line with COVID-19 Resilience & Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead plan.

Outdoor visitor attractions reopen

Outdoor visitor attractions such as zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, outdoor pet farms and heritage sites are reopening from today. Dublinlive.com reports that Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park saw their ticketing systems overwhelmed by a flurry of bookings. However, amusement parks must remain closed for the time being.

Non-contact sporting activities resume

Non-contact sporting facilities, including golf clubs and tennis courts are allowed to reopen. The all-clear gives thousands of enthusiasts the opportunity to exercise outdoors. It is not clear yet whether and when golf shops and sports stores can recommence selling equipment directly to customers.

Training sessions in other sports allowed for underage players

Hot on the heels of professional sportsmen, amateur players under the age of 18 can also return to the fields in all sports. However, training sessions must take place in pods of up to 15 who may be from a maximum of two households. Apart from essential toilets, indoor sporting facilities such as changing rooms, showers, kitchens etc. must remain closed.

Dance classes allowed outdoors

Dance classes can resume outdoors under the same rules that apply to sporting activities: they must be attended by a maximum of two households and indoor premises with the exception of toilets must remain shut.

Funeral attendance capped at 25 people

The maximum number of mourners at a funeral is increased from 10 to 25 following calls from a number of rural members of parliament.

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