Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2021
922. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if the 5 km limit for persons leaving home other than for essential purposes during the current lockdown permits driving within the 5 km radius; if not, if persons are restricted to walking within 5 km; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7264/21]
View answerAs you will be aware, Ireland is at level 5 of Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19. This 5-level framework sets out what is permitted for social or family gatherings, work and public transport, bars, hotels and restaurants, exercise activities and religious services, at that moment in time.
The measures in place for each level reflect the prevailing disease situation and recognise that we can and must prioritise some activities over others.
Under the current public health measures at level 5, you should stay at home except for travel for work, education or other essential purposes and are permitted to take exercise within 5km of home. Further information on travel restrictions within Ireland is available here:- https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/#travel-restrictions
You may wish to note that S.I. No. 29 of 2021 introduced further restriction on travel within Ireland. It is now an offence to leave your home to travel to a port or airport to leave the State without a reasonable excuse and an increased fine of €500 will apply for this offence. In addition, and from 1 February, a person whose place of residence is outside the State may not travel in the State without reasonable excuse, which does not include a reasonable excuse of exercising within 5km of your place of residence for people whose place of residence is outside the State. This is a penal provision and a fixed penalty notice €100 applies.
It is important to emphasise, that any essential travel should be undertaken with due regard to public health safety measures.
Statutory Instruments related to the Covid-19 pandemic are available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/
