Written answers

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Patrick CostelloPatrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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321. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider an extension of opening hours for the Iveagh Gardens in summer 2021 in view of the continued restrictions impacting the availability of activities for citizens elsewhere. [12825/21]

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Iveagh Gardens are open daily from 8am to 6pm from March to October, with the exception of Sundays and Bank Holidays, when they open at 10am.

The Gardens are located in close proximity to St Stephens Green Park which provides all visitors to and from the area with 22 acres of open space, wide expansive paths for social distancing and it is open to the public from dawn to dusk seven days a week. The public therefore has access, in the immediate area, to a suitable park/garden facility for daylight hours.

Notwithstanding the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions, the Office of Public Works has no plans to extend the opening hours of the Iveagh Gardens this summer.

Photo of Claire KerraneClaire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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322. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if consideration has been given to the reopening of the construction sector in relation to current public health guidelines; and the timeframe and measures which will be put in place to ensure safety while also supporting the sector. [12826/21]

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the revised plan for the Government’s response to COVID-19 – "COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead" – sets out our approach to the next phase and our path forward. The plan sets out the Government's approach of making steady progress in re-opening our economy, starting with childcare and schools, while avoiding a further wave of the disease and re-imposition of restrictions.

In this overall context, public health advice is that, at present, it is too early to say how and when other restrictions should be eased given current uncertainties. The current public health measures will remain in place until 5thApril. Government will meet in advance of that date to review the level of restrictions. Areas for consideration, if the situation improves sufficiently, will include a staggered start of easing of other areas of activity with a focus on outdoor activities, including some areas of construction.

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