Mayo call for people to be given more freedom as faith is lost in 5km travel restriction

A Mayo Oireachtas member has said the government has lost the public's supports of some current Covid-19 restrictions.

Senator Lisa Chambers said it was time to give people more freedom by removing the 5km. travel limit which is having the effect of leading big numbers of people to the same location for their daily walks while beaches and other scenic spots are empty.

She said: "We have seen there are multiple shebeens operating around the country, people are getting their hair done and others are breaching guidelines because they just cannot cope with the restrictions as they currently stand.

"We must provide hope and a path out of this situation.

"I am also of the view there must be some benefit to receiving the vaccine.

"For those who are aged 80 and up who are getting vaccines, if they are fully vaccinated, they should be granted additional freedom.

"I do not mind if I and others in a younger age cohort must be under prolonged restrictions for a little longer and I would certainly not begrudge an older person who is fully vaccinated from getting back out and living.

"Nobody would begrudge them that.

"I see no reason somebody over 80 cannot access the public pool facilities in Castlebar, for example, which are open to elite athletes.

"It is open and being manned but fully vaccinated people, including front-line healthcare workers, cannot access it."

Senator Chambers said young people also needed to be allowed to return to sport.

"Nobody is expecting pubs and restaurants to reopen after April 5 but they do expect some relaxation to the restrictions," she added.