The OPW today announced its strategy to respond to the Government roadmap last week and set out the details of some of the sites in their care that will begin reopening to the public during the first phase after May 18th.
A key part of the approach is to ensure that sites can only reopen where it is possible to do so in accordance with public health guidance and, in particular, with the Return to Work Safely Protocol published by Government.
In addition, the OPW is emphasising the need to address the needs of vulnerable groups and has made special provision at certain sites in relation to people who have been cocooning.
From Monday 18th May therefore, a number of parkland locations and other sites with open spaces will begin to reopen to the public in accordance with the public health guidelines. Social distancing will apply and visitors will be strongly encouraged to observe all the regulations set out in respect of ensuring that when they use these facilities, they remain in small groups and within their own households.
Visitors are also reminded of the 5km distance limit and OPW have confirmed that public carparks at larger sites in particular will not be available; these will only reopen later in the phased approach in line with the Government Roadmap.
The OPW has worked with An Garda Síochána in planning surrounding traffic movements in particular and has agreed that the position in relation to traffic volumes coming to sites will be monitored. If, in the view of An Garda Síochána or the OPW, the traffic volume indicates that the 5km limit is being ignored, or if there are significant congestion issues arising, a decision may be taken to reclose certain facilities on public health grounds.
