This Friday, the government is due to make a decision on the reopening of three of the industries hit hardest during the pandemic.

According to the Irish Times, this Friday the government will make the decision to reopen aviation, hospitality and live events by the end of July.

The report suggests that under the current plans, indoor hospitality in bars and restaurants would return in early July. Elsewhere, spectators at certain specified sporting events would be permitted with a cap set at 5 per cent of the venue’s capacity.

The news comes against the backdrop of the revamped vaccination programme efforts with over 1.4 million first doses having been administered so far and hopes for 1 million doses to be administered in May alone.

In light of the recent test events in England which saw over 4,000 people attend a concert in Liverpool and spectators return to Premier League matches, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin is also devising a programme for the return of live events. It would allow live events to be piloted from late June.

The news follows the results obtained following trials for live events in the UK which suggested that Gigs without masks no riskier than shopping.

Elsewhere on District: Johnny Ronan refused permission for 40-storey Docklands Tower.