Independent TD Verona Murphy has written to Chief Medical Officer with the Department of Health, Dr. Tony Holohan, calling on him to recommend to the Government to implement a Spanish-style ban on beach-going, following scenes of thousands of people on beaches across the country on Sunday.

Deputy Murphy has also called on Dr. Holohan to ban people from gathering at amenity areas for three weeks, saying people unintentionally may have put others at risk simply by going to the seaside.

She said:

“Today the fine weather and our beautiful public beaches and amenities brought out people in their thousands to get some exercise and fresh air. Inevitably, and without intent, the practice of social distancing was not possible. I have written to Dr. Holohan to request that he recommend to the Taoiseach that the Government act to implement the strict regulations that apply in Spain where the use of public spaces and the idea of restricting movement around public spaces is precisely in place to avoid what happened today.”

Deputy Murphy added:
“We, in Ireland, are at a crucial phase in the fight against Covid-19. The crowds that frequented out coastline and river walks this weekend cannot be permitted to do so again until this pandemic is under control. Therefore, I have written to Dr Holohan tonight requesting that he advise An Taoisech Leo Varadkar to close off all beaches and public walkways with immediate effect.”

“It’s not about two or three people being outside. It’s because everyone ends up outside; that in and of itself causes problems. I’m not saying people should be prevented from taking exercise and going out for walks, but you can’t stop children running around in close proximity with other children in public spaces. Children are vectors too. The sheer numbers of people at beaches like Clonea and Curracloe today highlights why this is necessary if severe step to take. You can’t be sure that when you come home you haven’t brought the virus home with you and that is the reasoning behind this.”

“I realise that when people go to the beach they don’t intend to breach the regulations of social distancing but when they arrive they find themselves in a crowded situation. The logic and purpose behind Spain and Italy closing off their beaches and similar outdoor areas where people gather in what are hot climates is precisely to avoid what manifestly happened in Ireland today.”