Pubs in Limerick
It's claimed a number of pubs in Limerick have remained open this week.
Any bar that is still operating against government advice is being urged to shut its doors.
Pubs have been asked to close since Sunday in a bid to curtail the spread of coronavirus.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland has made the call.
The claim was made by local Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins.
He says he can't believe people are ignoring the public health advice:
“The local community are very angry and annoyed at the blatant defiance by both the publicans and the people frequenting these pubs, which is really putting people’s lives at risk,” he said.
“I would call on the publicans and people who are frequenting these pubs to please show some respect for the local community and stop doing this.”
He said “large numbers” of people have been going to the pubs.
“People are appalled; people are scared for their lives obviously with the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“And why people would not follow the best public health advice and close pubs and desist from congregating in groups is beyond belief."
“It is really shocking and staggering and the local community is appalled.”
I know which pubs they are so. It’s terrible Niall as it means my parents are absolutely terrified to leave the house at the moment. Well done for calling these pubs out. They are putting our health at risk
— Cllr Elisa O'Donovan (@elisaodonovan) March 19, 2020
Although not every pub in Ireland is represented by the Vintners Federation, they have urged all their members to remain shut.
Emergency legislation being passed through the Dáil this afternoon could give Gardaí more powers to ensure pubs around the country remain closed until the 29th of March at least.
