Cork County Council urges Taoiseach to fast-track decision on pubs reopening

The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, is being asked to hold an urgent meeting in order to discuss the reopening of pubs which don't serve food.

West Cork Councillor Danny Collins asked Cork County Council to send an immediate letter to Mr Martin to fast-track the decision regarding the pubs reopening on July 20 and to release the guidelines for publicans.

Mr Collins said he has been asked by publicans, all over County Cork, about the delay in the decision.

“There is a rumour out there at the moment that drink pubs will not be allowed to open on July 20," he said. "We won’t know until Wednesday evening. We don't know the guidelines, we don't know where we stand. 

"Publicans don’t know if they should let staff know they have jobs back next week, they have to get stock in, to be quite honest, these publicans are being treated like ragdolls.” 

The Independent West Cork Councillor said making a decision on Wednesday is not good enough.

“I’m asking any councillor here who has any influence over TDs in Cork to ask for this meeting to be brought forward.

“The carry-on in Dublin we saw last week, doesn’t illustrate the way pubs that are serving food and are open in Cork are operating their business," he said. "They are acting in a very responsible way. Names are being taken, phone number, everything being done to curb this pandemic.” 

Mr Collins said caravan parks, camper parks, hotels and B&Bs are open and publicans are not being treated fairly at all.

“We don’t know what the guidelines are, we are supposed to find out on Thursday, three or four day before our doors open.” 

The councillor said the pubs are needed to curb the binge drinking and illegal parties ongoing across the county.

“I know of parties that are happening, small bars in sheds, 40 - 50 people going to these house parties, no restrictions whatsoever.” 

Mr Collins said publicans would be implementing the guidelines to keep everyone safe.

“Publicans are very responsible people and why are we being treated like we are not?" he asked.

“I’m asking the Taoiseach to call an emergency meeting tomorrow morning and give publicans a chance if we are to open next Monday.” 

County Mayor Mary Linehan Foley supported the suggestion and a letter was sent by the council to the office of the Taoiseach.