General News / August 31, 2021

Gigs are expected to return for the fully vaccinated from September 6

General News / August 31, 2021

Gigs are expected to return for the fully vaccinated from September 6

Words: Emily Mullen

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is expected to outline the Government’s full reopening roadmap at his address to the nation speech on August 31




The Cabinet has agreed to a plan ensuring a return to live events in the coming weeks. The plans which are due to be announced by Taoiseach Micheál Martin at his address to the nation speech, are expected to outline a roadmap for the return of live music and entertainment.

Indoor events will operate at 60% with vaccinated crowds, while outdoor events can operate at 75% for vaccinated attendees.

Speaking to reporters outside Government Buildings, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that the majority of the public are happy with the rate of the reopening measures. Describing representatives from the music and entertainment sector as “very loud” with their advocacy, the Minister added that “you couldn’t blame them for being and really advocating for their sectors.

Minister Donnelly hinted that there may be a scrapping of the two-metre rule, as part of these new restrictions.

From this date, live music will also be allowed to resume at weddings, although the 100 person limit on guests and the 11.30pm closing time remains.

There is no change to pub opening hours, with them expected to continue to close at 11.30pm until mid-October.


In a statement issued on August 30, the Music & Entertainment Association of Ireland [MEAI] urged the Government to open live music events at full capacity.

Appealing directly to the government, a representative from MEAI said, “ensuring the full reopening of the industry to 100% capacity, guaranteeing personal supports, and creating and extending existing supports, will prove Government’s commitment to this industry as declared by an Taoiseach.”

“It is vital that the Government commits to its understanding of the challenges facing this sector, and delivers solutions in the next two weeks,” the statement continued.

Elsewhere on District: Calls for a full reopening of the live music industry and increase of supports ahead of Government announcement