Guidelines for the return of spectators at sporting events at trial events have been published by the government today.
The guidelines were drafted by a working group of sporting event experts and health and safety advisors.
The 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.
The guidelines are similar to when 100-200 spectators attended events last summer.
Attendees will be required to abide by a code of conduct and all venues will have a Covid-19 Safety Plan.
Spectator guidelines issued as a number of pilot events are being held #RTESport pic.twitter.com/KszU7vkQOz
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 7, 2021
Fans will need to wear masks throughout events, will be seated and socially distanced from other fans. All spectators will need a ticket which will record their name in case contact tracing is needed after the event.
The close contact record will be kept for up to 28 days for each attendee.
A total of 16 pilot sporting events will use the guidelines. This Friday will see 1,200 fans attend the RDS for a Leinster game, while League of Ireland games hosted by Shamrock Rovers and Cork City will have similar numbers.
The pilots will help review progress with the aim of increasing capacity in July and August.
Up to 200 spectators will attend events this month with more in July and up to a quarter of stadium capacities the following month.
Pilot events include GAA, League of Ireland and rugby matches and other sports like golf and athletics.
Minister Jack Chambers said: "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.
"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."
Trial events:
|
# |
Date |
Venue |
Event |
|
1 |
11 Jun, Fri eve |
RDS |
Leinster v Dragons |
|
2 |
11 Jun, Fri eve |
Tallaght Stadium |
Shamrock Rovers v Finn Harps |
|
3 |
11 Jun, Fri eve |
Turner's Cross |
Cork City v Cabinteely |
|
4 |
20 Jun, Sun |
Croke Park |
Camogie National League Finals |
|
5 |
18-20 Jun |
TBC |
Possible pilot of a GAA Men's National Football League Final if scheduled |
|
6 |
25 Jun, Fri eve |
Tallaght Stadium |
Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda |
|
7 |
26 Jun, Sat |
Morton Stadium, Santry |
Athletics Ireland National Championships |
|
8 |
26 Jun, Sat |
Croke Park |
Division 1 and 2 LGFA League Finals |
|
9 |
26 Jun, Sat |
Tolka Park |
Shelbourne vs Cork in Women's National League |
|
10 |
01 Jul, Thu-Sun |
Mount Juliet, Kilkenny |
Irish Open Golf (European Tour) |
|
11 |
02 Jul, Fri eve |
Tallaght Stadium= |
Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk |
|
12 |
03 Jul, Sat |
Aviva Stadium |
Ireland v Japan |
|
13 |
03 Jul, Sat |
Semple Stadium – Thurles |
Cork v Limerick |
|
14 |
04 Jul, Sun |
Dr. Hyde Park |
Roscommon v Galway |
|
15 |
10 Jul, Sat |
Aviva Stadium |
Ireland v USA |
|
16 |
End June |
Curragh |
Horse Racing Event – one day of a series |
