Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
354. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address concerns raised in correspondence by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12068/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government announced that additional public health restrictions would apply under Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 on 6 January 2021. The additional restrictions required all construction activity to cease from 6pm on Friday 8 January, with a number of exceptions. These measures are set out in The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 (as amended).
The decisions in relation to the enhanced restrictions followed advice from NPHET that the situation with the virus had deteriorated to the point where there was an absolute need to reduce the level of mobility and congregation in order to reduce all opportunities for transmission.
The construction sector had responded well to the challenges presented by COVID-19 during 2020 with effective protocols put in place. However, the trajectory of the disease was such that the Government took the decision that most construction should cease with effect from 8 January. 2021. The Regulations in place provide for certain exemptions to allow the continuation of certain essential construction activity. The exemptions were based on decisions taken by the Government and extend beyond the remit of my own Department.
On 23 February, the Government announced that the current level 5 restrictions will remain in place until 5 April 2021, when the easing of restrictions relating to construction will be considered.
