There have been calls for gyms and pools to reopen as outdoor group training is resuming from today.
Leisure, health and fitness association, Ireland Action has called for gyms and swimming pools to be allowed to reopen.
They argue that facilities have "introduced extensive safety measures relating to the training of staff, operation, and the layout of their facilities" to allow users to exercise safely.
Adult outdoor training sessions in pods of up 15 will be permitted to return from today as part of the latest COVID restrictions.
But Ireland Action believe that gyms should open today alongside personal services, such as hairdressers and beauticians.
They said in a statement: "Ireland Active is deeply concerned that Cabinet has signed off on plans permitting hairdressers/barbers and non-essential retail to reopen in May whilst keeping gyms and swimming pools closed until 7th June.
"The fact that the Government has signed off on such plans, considering gyms and swimming pools reopened simultaneously as hairdressers/barbers and non-essential retail after the last lockdown makes this an inequitable decision and without rationale.
"It was our firm understanding that gyms and swimming pools would reopen in tandem with hairdressers/barbers and non-essential retail as per the reopening in June and November 2020."
Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres are expected to reopen from June 7th for individual training only, dependent on the rate of the virus in the country and the continued progress of the vaccine rollout.
They will return along with outdoor sports matches and outdoor catering for bars and restaurants.
Indoor team/group matches, training and exercise classes are among the "higher-risk" activities.
Speaking on Instagram, Leo Varadkar even said: "Everyone's asking about gyms, I hear you. I miss the gym, big time. I'm sick to death of running around the park, I'm bored of it.
"I know gyms are opening in England and Northern Ireland, if they haven't already, and people are keen to get back to them.
“I guarantee you that if anyone's going to make the case to Cabinet for that (gyms reopening), it's going to be me!"
For the latest news and breaking news visit dublinlive.ie/news .
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DublinLive - the official Dublin Live Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/dublinlive - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the capital.
