"For very large purpose-built event facilities... specific guidance will be developed," says Irish Government; GAA, FAI and IRFU form working group for safe return of specatators
Tuesday 15 September 2020 14:19, UK
Fans can return to sporting events in Ireland under the Irish Government's new plans to deal with coronavirus in the country, which were unveiled on Tuesday.
Up to 100 spectators outdoors and 50 spectators indoors will be allowed at matches and events, with up to 200 for "outdoor stadia or other fixed outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000".
Meanwhile, there is likely to be special consideration made for large stadia where larger crowds could be allowed to attend matches.
"For very large purpose-built event facilities (for example: stadia, auditoriums, conference or event centres), specific guidance will be developed with the relevant sectors to take account of size and different conditions for larger events," read the guidelines.
However, An Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that reports of an agreement that 5,000 could be accommodated in larger grounds were wide of the mark.
"There hasn't been any discussion about 5,000. Just to clarify that," he said.
"But that remains, in terms of larger sporting events towards the end of the year, there will be ongoing engagement between NPHET (National Public Health Emergency Team) and the various sectors involved about what could happen or what might be organised for a bigger event. But nothing specific in terms of numbers on that."
This comes as a significant boost to sporting organisations in the country, with the GAA set to kick off the inter-county championships next month.
The GAA, FAI and IRFU sent out a joint-statement reacting to the news, confirming they have established a working group to form a collaborative approach to the development of a roadmap for the safe return of spectators to stadia.
Chaired by Martin Murphy, stadium director of Aviva Stadium, they will work with statutory authorities essential to the safe delivery of major sporting events, work with the government on the parameters applying to the number of people permitted at outdoor public gatherings, and observe international best practice.
"Sport plays a hugely important role in Irish society and by working together the FAI, GAA, and the IRFU will bring their collective expertise and learning to develop a roadmap for the safe return of spectators to the sports events they love and miss deeply," said Murphy.
"The number one consideration for this group is to seek a series of protocols which would allow spectators back into sporting fixtures in a safe way, while complying fully with Government Health guidelines.
"Spectators are more than fans, they are an intrinsic part of any sporting occasion; they are the family and friends of the men and women who are representing their town, their county, their province or their country. They are part of the sporting culture of our nation which is so critically important to our overall well-being."
