Following the easing of foot-and-mouth restrictions, announced by the Minister of Agriculture earlier this month, a number of heritage sites around the State have been re-opened to the public.
The State regained its foot-and-mouth free status after being officially declared free of the disease this month. Horse-racing, which had been severely affected, was given the go ahead to resume on April 19th. Other sporting events have also resumed, including full GAA and FAI programmes.
The Minister for Arts Ms de Valera said nine sites would re-open in the coming days, including the Ceide Fields in Co Mayo and Newgrange in Co Meath.
However Ms de Valera said that visitors would have to comply with disinfectant procedures at all sites and anyone from infected areas or people who have been in contact with susceptible animals should not visit the sites.
The foot-and-mouth Task Force said that only those sites which have not been accessed by susceptible animals in the last 28 days would be re-opened.
The Department of Tourism has been working to promote the industry in light of the State’s foot-and-mouth free status and Minister McDaid announced last week that St Patrick’s Day festivities, which were postponed in March, would now go ahead on the weekend of May 18th.
However both the Department of Tourism and Arts have said that the situation will continue to be closely monitored especially in light of new confirmed cases in Northern Ireland.
Sites re-opened to the public
Friday, April 27:Ceide Fields, Ballycastle, Co Mayo; Scattery Island, Co Clare; JFK Arboretum New Ross, Co Wexford.
Tuesday, May 1st:Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin; Ardfert Cathedral, Co Kerry; Newgrange National Monument, Co Meath; Knowth National Monument, Co Meath.
Friday, May 4th:Portumna Castle, Portumna, Co Galway.
Sunday, May 6th:Coole Park, Co Galway.