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“It is deeply regrettable that Level 3 restrictions are being introduced in Donegal', IHF president Elaina Fitzgerald Kane has said.

' Undoubtedly these latest measures will have a significant impact on the morale of the people in Donegal and across the country. The tourism and hospitality industry has become the economic frontline of the Covid crisis and it is disappointing that such short notice has again been given to tourism and hospitality businesses. Urgent Government intervention is now required in the form of additional sector specific supports for an industry that has been disproportionately impacted by the Covid restrictions. Prior to Covid, tourism supported 270,000 livelihoods, one in ten of all Irish jobs. An estimated 100,000 jobs of these have been lost so far this year and a further 100,000 are now at imminent risk in the coming weeks, including 5,500 in Donegal without substantial sector specific supports being put in place.

The  Department of Foreign Affairs has updated the Green List to just four countries; Cyprus, Finland, Latvia and Liechtenstein. 

The list is updated on a weekly basis to include EU/EEA countries with a 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 of 25 or less. 

Based on this data, Germany, Poland, Iceland and Lithuania have been removed and the changes will take effect on Sunday at midnight. 

Liechtenstein is the only country that doesn't have restrictions for travellers arriving from other jurisdictions.

The Irish Travel Agents Association has called for the development and implementation of routine COVID-19 testing for passengers boarding flights out of the country, as an alternative to quarantine measures upon arrival at their destination. The Association believe that this will help to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus and work towards re-establishing global air connectivity after a difficult six months for the travel industry.

  The ITAA believe that as well as reopening borders within the EU, this form of testing will help to rebuild consumer confidence in travel. The Association support COVID-19 testing before departure, as this will ensure a “clean” environment throughout the travel process. The ITAA believe testing on arrival has a negative impact on passenger confidence, as a positive test result will mean that the passenger will have to go into quarantine when they reach their destination. 

Plans for a new 200-bed hotel owned by the GAA near Croke Park have been put on hold following a number of objections to An Bord Pleanála, including one from a local nursing home.

Two parties are appealing the recent decision of Dublin City Council to grant planning permission for the development of a seven-storey hotel on part of the grounds of Clonliffe College which the GAA acquired from the Archdiocese of Dublin for an estimated €95 million.

The GAA has an agreement with leading hotel operator Dalata which will see the group operate the new facility under its Maldron brand.

 

The GAA also plans to develop a clubhouse and two pitches on the site, which is currently used as a large car park for match days and concerts in Croke Park.