Clare’s Independent TD has strongly criticised the Government’s decision to move to level five of restrictions, saying it will have a detrimental impact on the local economy.
Six weeks of increased restrictions come into force from tomorrow night, and today, the cabinet is discussing a a system of graduated fines for those who break the rules.
Ireland is the first European country to enter a second lockdown with all non-essential retail to close after tomorrow night.
However, some measures are more lenient than planned for level five, with schools to stay open and construction allowed to continue, as well as elite sport including the inter-county GAA season.
From midnight tomorrow night, people will have to work from home, unless they’re an essential worker, and we’re not allowed to go beyond 5km of home, except in limited circumstances.
A new system of graduated fines for anyone who breaks the 5k rule or fails to wear a mask in certain settings is being discussed by the cabinet today.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney says the fines are aimed at making sure everyone is complying.
Clare’s Independent TD has strongly criticised the Government’s decision to increase restrictions.
Michael McNamara says he doesn’t understand why we’re the only country in Europe that has gone back into lockdown or how Ireland has, in his words, “failed so profoundly as a state that we can’t guarantee liberty.”
The Scariff TD doesn’t believe the lockdown will achieve anything more than doing damage to businesses, claiming that it’s resulting in the closing down of Co. Clare.
Clare’s Fine Gael TD has defended the Government saying it would be grossly irresponsible to not move now in order to protect hospitals this winter.
Joe Carey says level three restrictions gave people the opportunity to play their part to reduce transmission of the virus, but that it’s obvious that some people slipped up.
He says neither he nor the Government want to see businesses shut.
The President of Ennis Chamber, meanwhile, is urging the Government to ensure retailers are given adequate supports to survive.
Hotelier Allen Flynn says while the next number of weeks will be difficult, the first quarter of next year will also be crucial for the hardest hit businesses.
