Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
91. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the guidelines and measures in place for the operation of outdoor markets under the level 3 guidelines of the Living with Covid Plan [41478/20]
View answerOutdoor markets are permitted under the current restrictions, and fall under the responsibility of the Local Authorities, who must be satisfied that they can be run safely and in line with local authority planning, retail guidance and, in particular their plans to manage public areas in busy town centre areas.
In line with updated Government Health measures, available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cf9b0d-new-public-health-measures-effective-now-to-prevent-further-spread-o/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ea1c30-updated-measures-in-response-to-covid-19-coronavirus/, businesses must implement the required measures in relation to capacity management. Retailers, including market managers / operators / organisers and individual stall holders, must develop plans for the safe operation and protection of staff and customers, including appropriate social distancing, hygiene and cleaning. A designated person(s) with overall responsibility for the safe operations of the market is required. Further information on all requirements are available here: https://www.fsai.ie/food_businesses/reopening_covid19.html.
A new section of guidance for seasonal experiences has been added to the tourism sectoral guidelines for Visitor Attractions and for Activity Providers, which are published on the Fáilte Ireland website, further information available on https://failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Guidelines-for-Re-opening-Visitor-Attractions.pdf. these includes suggestions and recommendations to be borne in mind for stalls, displays, merchandise, equipment, etc, in an outdoor setting. Although targeted at visitor attractions and activities, this section of the guidance may also be appropriate to outdoor markets.
Businesses are advised to consult the Government Public health advice and the measures outlined in the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.
