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Fáilte Ireland backs Staycation show

Fáilte Ireland and RTÉ have joined forces to show the nation that there’s ‘No Place Like Home’ when it comes to holidays. Building on the success of Fáilte Ireland’s current kathryn0820 domestic marketing campaign, ‘Ireland, Make a Break for it’, a new RTÉ television series ‘No Place Like Home’, in association with Fáilte Ireland, will air this Sunday August 9th at 6:30pm on RTÉ One running each Sunday for four weeks.

The four-week series will be hosted by television presenter Kathryn Thomas and will showcase regions across Ireland, packed with inspirational and informative ideas for short breaks this summer.

‘No Place Like Home’ will visit a number of locations across Ireland, telling stories that explore the hidden and not so hidden treasures that the regions have to offer. Each 30-minute programme will provide insights into how the tourism industry is adapting to ensure that holidaying at home is the best and safest choice, while reminding viewers of the many unique experiences on offer.

Data advice for restaurants

Restaurant and cafe owners should be storing contact details of customers securely, out of sight of other clients.

That is the view of the Data Protection Commission after some concerns were expressed over the current practice.

The details have to be kept for contact tracing purposes.

Deputy Commissioner at the DPC, Graham Doyle, said business owners need to make sure personal details are stored away from other customers.

Airport screening 'ineffective' says HIQA

The Health Information and Quality Authority has found that mass thermal screening for coronavirus at airports is ineffective. temptest

It is one of two evidence summaries published to support the National Public Health Emergency Team’s response to Covid-19.

The report “summarises the best available evidence on whether non-contact thermal screening could be used to effectively identify cases of Covid-19”.

Thermal screening detects radiating heat from the body to give an estimate of core body temperature.

Hiqa said in a statement that they identified “11 primary studies, three rapid reviews and one systematic review relating to Covid-19 and other respiratory virus pandemics.

“All studies were conducted in the context of points of entry (for example, airports), so their relevance to other community settings (such as schools) is uncertain.”

Council Closes Clare Beaches

An environmental scientist with Clare County Council has said it could be Saturday afternoon at the earliest before a swimming ban on several beaches in the county is lifted. kilkee

The council, on the advice of the Health Service Executive, placed a temporary ban on swimming at a number of beaches due to increased bacterial levels in the bathing water.

Speaking on RTÉ's News At One, Cathal Brodie said it impacts the beaches at Kilkee, Spanish Point, Lahinch, and White Strand near Miltown Malbay.

He said the order indicates there is a potential for pathogens being in the water that could cause sickness, and so the water is unsuitable for bathing in.

Ministers consider Pub Support Plan

A financial support package for pubs which still can not open is being considered by the government.

Several Ministers are working on a scheme for businesses which remain shut due to Phase 4 of lifting Covid-19 restrictions being delayed by three weeks. pub0118

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar says it is too early to say what the extra supports for pubs will be.

“Id prefer not to speculate at this stage,” he said. “We have tasked a number of Cabinet ministers to examine that.

“When they reopen, what’s going to be there for them as a commercial rates waiver of six months - that’s in fact there already.

“There’s the restart grant and they can apply for that even if they’re not reopening.

“There’ll be the wage subsidy scheme for staff, and that includes staff that are on furlough.

“There will be things like the VAT cut and the low cost loans.”

Donal O'Keeffe, CEO of the Licensed Vintners Association says publicans need this support as soon as possible.

He said they are looking forward to meeting ministers as support plans are prepared.

He added: “The important point though, is that this support is required immediately. We’re going to be closed for five and half months by the end of August.”