Written answers

Wednesday, 9 September 2020

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Sports Events

Photo of Martin BrowneMartin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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77. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by sports clubs and supporters as a result of the ban on spectators at sporting events; if his attention has been further drawn to the emergence of unsafe unofficial spectator areas at roadsides overlooking sports grounds; and if he will reconsider the ban on spectators at such events. [22769/20]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I am aware of the difficulties that COVID-19 has created for many clubs and supporters, especially with the current restrictions on attendance on sports fixtures. As the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, Sport Ireland has issued expert guidance to the sport sector on how to manage the effects of the virus.

As conditions and our understanding of the virus have developed, we have had to respond to evolving public health requirements. Even though great progress has been made in combatting the pandemic, compliance with the public health guidance remains essential.

It has been brought to my attention that, while the overwhelming majority of people are fully respecting the public health guidelines, there have been some difficulties with unauthorised crowds near some sports grounds. This situation is both regrettable and concerning. Compliance with the public health regulations and guidelines remains our best defence against the virus and I would urge sporting organisations to work with local authorities and An Garda Síochána in regard to the management of local traffic conditions and the enforcement of Traffic and Parking regulations.

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