FIRST STEPS ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
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IRELAND is set to end two months of lockdown today as retail stores, public spaces and sports facilities reopen.
Tens of thousands of staff will clock in but in very different workplaces.
Garden centres, hardware stores and optometrists as well as golf clubs and tennis courts are back in action and braced for huge demand.
Paul Candon, chairman of the Homevalue Group, said: “Today is a welcome development and a first step on the road to recovery.
“We look forward to opening our 140 stores, welcoming colleagues and customers back through our doors.”
But it won’t be a return to normal trading as businesses urged the public not to scramble to their nearest outlets.
Eoin Reid, owner of Fernhill Garden Centre in Athlone, Westmeath, told the Irish Mirror: “People need to be sensible. We hope there won’t be a tsunami on Monday. If there is it will be challenging.
“We will only allow a certain number of people at one time. If there’s a lot of people, they will need
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to be willing to wait in car parks.” Mr Reid admitted his business would have been on the brink if they had been forced to remain closed.
He added: “We probably could not have gone much longer. We’re just at the edge of where we need to be.
“It is what it is but it’s better late than never.”
Optometrists are also encouraging people with eye-care needs to return from today.
Patricia Dunphy, president of the Association of Optometrists Ireland, said: “Phone in advance to discuss your needs and to then make an appointment based on this.”
Parks, beaches and mountain walks that accommodate social distancing are also due to open today.
Last night Coillte said access to its forest parks will be free of charge for anyone living within 5km.
A few of non-contact sports will also resume provided strict social distancing can be observed.
But if you live more than 5km away from a golf or tennis club you will not be able to return to action yet
The Golfing Union of Ireland’s guidelines bars competitions, while players will not even be allowed to touch the flagstick.
Alan O’sullivan, Head PGA Professional at Howth Golf Club in Dublin, said: “There’s a mixture of excitement and a bit of trepidation.”
Ann O’neill, of Claremont Railway Lawn Tennis Club in Dublin, said: “Our members have been counting down the hours. But it’s a case of play your game and straight home, without any social coffees or drinks after.” Meanwhile David Fitzsimons, of Retail Excellence Ireland, appealed for consumers to support local shops. He said: “As consumers come out of hibernation to purchase non-essential items, we remind everyone of the importance of our local independent stores.
“Please use them as we don’t want to lose them.”
And Woodies Ireland has reversed a controversial ban on under-16s entering their stores following a backlash from customers.
EOIN REID FERNHILL GARDEN CENTRE