Ireland looks set to enter Phase 2 of its re-opening on Monday. With the number of coronavirus cases heading in the right direction, there has been much talk this week about the government accelerating the easing of certain measures of the lockdown. Shops like Ikea and H&M, for instance, will be allowed to open from Monday.
Today it has emerged that the government has revised its guidelines on travel. When we entered Phase 2 of the lockdown, the government was set to allow people to travel 20km from their home. However, from Monday, people will be allowed to travel anywhere within their county borders.
NEW: Govt to relax the 20km travel limit so that anyone can travel *anywhere within their county from Monday*, ahead of intended abolition of travel limits at end of June, when hotels and B&Bs will also be permitted to open. Boosts for tourism and rural Ireland. @VirginMediaNews
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) June 5, 2020
For people in smaller counties like Louth or Longford, 20km might not make a huge difference. However if you live in Donegal, Mayo, Galway or Cork, you'll now be able to take massive journeys. Youghal to Bantry, for example, is a wonderful 131km drive that could take the bones of 4 hours round trip.
You'll also be allowed to cross county borders if it's within your 20km boundary.
The media is also reporting that hotels and B&Bs will be able to reopen on June 29, which will be a huge win for domestic tourism.
This is all massively encouraging as we inch closer to normality following 11 weeks of lockdown.
