[ad_1]
The government appears willing to allow inter-county travel during the Christmas period, it has been reported.
Currently, non-essential travel of more than 5 km from home is not allowed, while Level Three asks people to stay in their own county.
However, RTE reports that it is “widely accepted” within the government that people will be allowed to cross county lines during the holiday season.
It is also understood that separate restrictions can be set for the Christmas week itself.
The news offers new hope for those who hope to visit relatives in different parts of the country.
(Image: Collins Agency, Dublin)
It comes after Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that the Government wants to leave Level Five on December 1 and believes that we can have a “meaningful and enjoyable” Christmas.
Ireland will emerge from the current lockdown at the end of the month, but it is not yet clear what our next step will be.
The National Public Health Emergency Team will meet on Thursday next week and a final decision from the Government is expected shortly thereafter.
And last night the Taoiseach has said that there will be a strong emphasis on “guiding” rather than applying the garda during the festive season.
He told Virgin Media News: “We want to get out of Level Five on December 1 and not go back to Level Five, that would be our goal.
“As for the Christmas week period, will gardai knock on doors on Christmas Eve? No, they won’t clearly because one has to understand the limits of government interference with families at a time like Christmas.
“So there will be a strong emphasis on guidance and a specific communication campaign around that.”
On possible changes to the current 5km travel limits, the Fianna Fail leader added: “We would like to see a little loosening of that, but again I must not get ahead of the government on that.”
But Martin stressed that this “would not be a normal Christmas.”
He continued: “It will not be a normal Christmas, but it can be meaningful, enjoyable and safe, we have to adjust and adapt.
“And I think there will be a lot of emphasis on the orientation aspect of this during the few days of Christmas itself.
“The precise way we get out of Level Five has yet to be determined and the government will discuss that next week.”
[ad_2]