Council and Gardaí urge people in Clare to comply with Covid-19 restrictions on St Patrick's Day

The Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard, the Chief Executive of the Council Pat Dowling and the Chief Superintendent of Clare Garda Division Sean Colleran have called on everyone in the county to keep their guard up as we head into the national holiday.

Cllr Mary Howard said: “This year, it will be a very different St Patrick's Day. Given the health risks, now is not the time for socialising or joining any gatherings that breach public health guidelines. I am asking everyone in Clare to hold firm and keep their guard up. With the range of online events taking place this year, such as Clare County Council's 'Connecting Clare' virtual event, we can all still safely enjoy the day. I would like to wish everyone in Clare, and Clare people around the world, a happy and healthy St Patrick's Day 2021."

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council, said: "St Patrick's Day is about being proud to be Irish, and we can all be proud of the way we have met the challenges of Covid-19 in County Clare. People have worked extremely hard and made enormous sacrifices. As we celebrate St Patrick's Day in a very different way this year, I would like to remind everyone to stay safe, avoid taking any risks, and stick to the guidelines. Social or other gatherings should not take place, as these can lead to the spread of Covid-19. Vaccines are on the way, but they cannot protect us from Covid-19 in the meantime. On behalf of everyone in Clare County Council, Happy St Patrick's Day to you all, and stay safe."

Chief Superintendent Sean Colleran, Clare Garda Division, said: “Our main priority is keeping people safe and that continues over the coming weeks. Working together as a community and being responsible we can all help to minimise the impact of Covid-19. We all have to do our bit during this difficult time.

“In general Gardaí are finding that people are adhering to the Government guidelines and we want to thank the public for this. However, it is vital that this continues over the coming weeks. This will help flatten the curve and save lives. 

“We are asking people not to make journeys unless they are essential. To minimise their contacts. To maintain social distancing. To wash their hands. By taking these steps, we can help protect our loved ones, our neighbours and our communities.”

An Garda Síochána has reminded people that a Fixed Payment Notice of €100 can be issued to a person for travelling without a reasonable excuse. A Fixed Payment Notice can now be issued for the non-wearing of face coverings on public transport and in certain premises unless the person has a reasonable excuse. There can be no public gatherings indoors or outdoors and events in private dwellings are not permitted.

“If a person is non-compliant we will encourage them to comply and will give the person every opportunity to do so but after directing the person to comply and they still refuse we will have no option but enforcement,” Chief Supt Colleran said.

“While it is as important as ever for members of the public to avail of exercise and get fresh air, in accordance with public health regulations, exercise can only be availed of ‘within a 5km radius of the person’s place of residence’.”

The Clare Covid-19 Community Response Helpline is available to respond to the needs of vulnerable members of our community: Freephone 1800 203600 / clarecommunityresponse@clarecoco.ie

This year, Clare County Council is organising and presenting an online St Patrick’s Day event with the theme of ‘Connecting Clare’, and everyone can join in as a member of our global audience. Visit Clare County Council's Facebook page or YouTube channel between 11:00am and 5:00pm tomorrow (17th March) to tune in.

Clare County Council and An Garda Síochána would like to remind people that under the current Level 5 restrictions:

• People are required to stay at home except for travel for work, education or other essential purposes, and will be permitted to take exercise within 5km of home
• No visitors are permitted in private homes or gardens except for essential family reasons such as providing care to children, elderly or vulnerable people, or as part of a support bubble
• No social or family gatherings should take place in other settings
• No organised indoor or outdoor gatherings should take place.

It is important that you:

• Wash your hands properly and often
• Practise social distancing
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Follow the current Government restrictions.

Page last reviewed: 16/03/21

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