Summer gatherings banned
Mass gatherings are banned until the end of August.
The government says events for over 5,000 people will not be granted licenses.
It means all summer gigs and music festivals are cancelled until September at the earliest.
Government Statement on licensed events - All Mass Gatherings have been restricted since the March 24th. Further health advice will be updated in advance of May 5th. https://t.co/Fh4Qn8lK9s
— MerrionStreet.ie #StayAtHome (@merrionstreet) April 21, 2020
The continuing ban will apply to gatherings of 5,000 people or more that require licences, although smaller events could also be impacted by any continued requirement for social distancing.
In a statement, the Government said many large-scale events due to be held in the summer require licensing and the involvement of the HSE and gardaí.
The statement notes:
"While the issue of restrictions on future mass gatherings is a decision to be taken by the NPHET, in the case of these particular events, and taking account of the impacts on the integrity of the licensing process in the short-term due to restrictions on stakeholder involvement, local authorities have been advised by Government that event promoters should be informed that events requiring licences in excess of 5,000 will not be considered for the period up to the end of August."
It comes as the Finance Minister said no decision has yet been made on which parts of the economy might be released from restrictions first when restrictions begin to be eased.
Paschal Donohoe has this afternoon warned that 220,000 jobs could be lost this year.
