Mayo TD calls for clear priorities in reopening strategy
Resumption of click and collect for retail sector
Reopening of the construction sector for all types of projects
Resumption of sports, particularly over the summer months
Easing of restrictions on parents in maternity services
Phased return of organised services at places of worship
A Mayo TD has called for a number of areas to be prioritised by government when deciding on the reopening of society.
Deputy Alan Dillion has monitored the queries being raised by constituents and feels they can best be summarised in five key areas.
These are the resumption of click/call and collect for retail sector, the reopening of the construction sector for all types of projects, the resumption of sports, particularly over the summer months, the easing of restrictions on parents in maternity services and the phased return of organised services at places of worship.
He stated: "Firstly, the resumption of click/call and collect services for the retail sector.
"This would allow retail businesses to start generating cash flow and allow people to purchase items locally that they may not wish to purchase online.
"It also offers greater flexibility for people who may not be digitally literate.
"Secondly, the reopening of the construction sector for all types of projects will be critical over summer months.
"The longer days may allow for some of the lost time to be regained on projects, as well as smaller projects that have put people’s lives on hold.
"There have been serious concerns among those undertaking self builds as their insurance doesn’t recognise the delays caused by the restrictions.
"The resumption of sports particularly over the summer months will provide a great boost to physical activity and mental health.
"As a society, nothing unites us more than supporting our clubs and teams, and is an important part of what makes the summer months for many people.
"The easing of restrictions on parents in maternity services is one we seriously need to reconsider and particularly increasing the time allowed spent together after labour.
"Reducing restrictions on birthing partners of women in labour and an increase in time allowed afterwards will not place any additional burden on vaccine supply.
"It will make a tremendous difference to families as they start their most important new chapter together.
"Finally, the phased return of organised services at places of Worship. For many, this is an important outlet and in some cases, their only social outlet.
"It should be respected and over time, there can be a phased return to larger services.
“We have seen very low case numbers in Mayo with less than five cases per day in nine out the past 10 days.
"I think this should be commended for the efforts of Mayo people in doing their part to act responsibly during the current public health restrictions.
"In light of the various conversations and issues being raised by constituents and local groups around Mayo, I feel it is necessary to highlight to Government the areas which should be prioritised for the reopening of society.
“One common issue being raised with me is how much harder public health restrictions were over the winter months versus the summer months.
"We need to now focus on how best to maximise the physical activity and mental health benefits of the summer months.
"I have raised these priorities with my parliamentary colleagues including the Tánaiste at this week’s Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting and serious consideration should be given to these areas.
"They will make a vast difference to people’s lives and the spirit of our communities.”