The limit on crowds of up to 200 at sporting events will not be increased next week, the Government has confirmed.
The NPHET informed the cabinet today that the limit on outdoor events cannot be loosened, and that no increase will come into effect on August 10.
The move is a blow to some sporting bodies, after calls to allow more fans at games as they continue their return to play.
The Government will review its position in three weeks but it’s at odds with the situation in the North, with Ulster GAA allowing 400 to attend games following fresh guidelines from the Stormont Executive last week.
Given the disparity in ground capacities, particularly with those which host GAA club matches, the one-size-fits-all approach will be a cause of ongoing frustration.
Government ministers met this evening in talks on the delayed commencement of Phase 4 of the reopening of Ireland, and decided not to move forward with the plans.
But following advice from health chiefs, the decision was made not to proceed with plans to increase the limit to 500 for outdoor events and 50 for indoor events.
“The issue there is the going to and coming from, the manner in which people do that,” said Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
“Also, it increases the possibility of congregation, congregating outside venues. It mixes families and households so these are the reasons why NPHET were very clear that they didn’t want that changed on this occasion.”
Elaborating on that point, Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn commented: “Clearly if you have a small number of people in a large stadium, from a public health perspective, there’s no public health issue with that.
“The concern is that people have to get to the stadium, they have to get home from the stadium, they congregate before and afterwards.
“We have multiple instances at this point of cases arising from people sharing transport, from households mixing.
“This virus thrives when people mix.”
Originally pinned to kick off from July 20, Phase 4 was delayed due to concerns around the spread of Covid-19.
Currently, very few fans are permitted to attend sporting events, with the 200 limit also including players, staff, officials and media.
The news is a setback for Croke Park bosses as their ongoing club championships around the country will not be allowed host more fans.
League of Ireland fans will also be disappointed, with the FAI and clubs afforded little wriggle-room for supporters to attend games.
