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Minister Jack Chambers TD has today published the updated guidelines for re-opening sportsgrounds which were drafted by a combined working group of sporting event experts and health and safety advisors.

The guidelines provide for a suite of mitigation measures to allow for the safe return of spectators to sporting events. These measures include advance communication with attendees, venues operating at reduced capacities, physical distancing, mask wearing and hand hygiene. A robust contact tracing system will also be in place.

Attendees will be required to abide by a code of conduct and all venues will have a Covid-19 Safety Plan.

16 pilot sporting events will use the guidelines. These pilots will help to evaluate and review progress to advance additional events and increasing capacity in July and August. Pilot events include GAA, Camogie and LGFA matches, League of Ireland games, rugby games and other sports like Golf and Athletics.

Speaking as he published the guidelines, Minister Chambers said:

“I am delighted today to be able to publish these guidelines which will be used in preparing for the hosting of 16 sporting events between now and early July. I would like to congratulate the combined working group on their work in putting together a document that will serve as an important guide for those staging safe events during the pandemic. It is very clear that the collective focus of the working group on the safety of their fans and communities shines through in the work on the guidelines.

“I am acutely aware how eager fans are to see their home county, local club or sporting heroes in action one again. These expert led guidelines are significant because they chart a clear path back to allowing large numbers of spectators attends games once again. They cover a huge range of areas from ticketing and arrival at the grounds, to public transport and communications with fans, stadium signage, contact tracing and a host of other important factors. The guidelines can be continuously reviewed after each pilot event and will ultimately pave the way for much greater numbers to attend sporting events as we progress into summer and autumn.”

Chair of the Combined Working Group, Martin Murphy of the Aviva Stadium said:

“The collaborative nature of the working group involving the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU and Sport Ireland has been very obvious since we began our work in October 2020. I am grateful to each and every member of the team, to Ministers Martin and Chambers for engaging with us and for taking our recommendations forward and to officials of the Department for their guidance. The working group is committed to monitoring the events and if need be adapting our approaches as we progress to larger attendances later this Summer. We will share experience gained across sport, the entertainment sector and with broader society to ensure that communities around Ireland can get back to safe enjoyment of our favourite sports and events.”

ENDS