Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2020
73. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if gyms can remain open for individual training under level 4 restrictions as per the Living With Covid-19 Roadmap; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32212/20]
View answerThe Recovery and Resilience Plan states that in Level 4 gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools must close. These facilities are not open for group or individual training in Level 4.
I recognise that there is great disappointment that gyms and other sports and leisure facilities must close in the Level 5 restrictions which commenced at midnight. Physical activity is very important for people's physical and mental health and these facilities play an important role in providing opportunities for activity, particularly in the winter months.
We look forward to returning to these facilities when the restrictions are lifted. For the coming weeks however, it is regrettably necessary to take urgent action to address the seriously deteriorating epidemiological situation in the country. This means closing many businesses and amenities to reduce the person-to-person contacts which allow the virus to spread.
The Government has launched the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme to support businesses which are forced to close and I would encourage all eligible businesses to apply for funding support under this scheme, which is to be administered by the Revenue Commissioners. Further information about the scheme is available on the Government website www.gov.ie
