“Very real possibility” of further restrictions for Dublin

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has said guidance for Dublin could change in the next few days despite the imposition of new restrictions on the capital from midnight last night.

Speaking on RTE Radio One’s “Morning Ireland” earlier the Minster said there is “a very real and strong possibility” Dublin could face further restrictions.

Following the announcement of the Government’s new Living with Covid-19 plan yesterday placing Dublin on Level Two, Mr Donohoe said Dublin could move to Level Three due to the incidence rate of Covid-19 in Dublin.

On September 14 the rate in the capital was 95.1 with some areas of the county recording higher 14-day incidence rates per 100,000 people, among the most concerning is Dublin North West with 131.3.

Covid-19 cases in Dublin have continued to rise, with 218 new cases confirmed here yesterday.

Mr Donohoe said health experts will meet tomorrow and provide the Government with guidance that will then be considered before a recommendation is made to the people living in Dublin.

He said the new Covid-19 oversight group will allow the Government time to consider and implement NPHET’s recommendations in a “speedy and effective” way.

Minister Donohue also advised against people from Dublin leaving the county.

“We are asking those who are living in Dublin to use their discretion,” he said.

“I of course am very conscious of the consequences of that guidance, but we are doing that because of our strong determination to contain this disease.