Taoiseach Micheál Martin says hotels across Ireland could reopen by June

Staycations may be possible this summer after all as Taoiseach Micheál Martin has given hope that hotels across Ireland might be allowed to reopen their doors by June.

Micheál Martin said that from the end of May, the Government will look at the possibility of allowing hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs to reopen in June.

The Taoiseach was speaking at the virtual Hospitality & Tourism Expo taking place on Tuesday. He added in his opening message that the Government must take measures to ensure the hospitality sector and its workers are able to recover after the pandemic. “I want to reassure you that the sacrifices your industry has been asked to make are not in vain," Martin said. !There is light at the end of the tunnel and it is closer each day. “Our national vaccination programme is well underway. We’ve administered over one million doses and we will increase the pace of the rollout even more over the coming weeks. “What does this mean for you? On the 30th of March, I outlined the means by which we will safely and sustainably chart a path out of restrictions. “I know there is a level of frustration at the speed of lifting necessary restrictions but our goal is to ensure that when businesses reopen they will stay open." Martin said that the decision to reopen hotels and guest homes would be 'the first step' in a path to recovering the economy and rebuilding the hospitality industry. He continued: “It means that towards the end of May and depending on progress we will look at the reopening of hotels, B&Bs, and guest houses in the month of June. "As you are aware, this is only the first step of the journey to economic and social recovery." The politician added on Twitter after the event: "I know the pandemic has caused huge disruption for hospitality and tourism – but this Government will continue to support you as we move on the path to recovery." The online expo was the first of its kind in Ireland and saw thousands of restaurant, hotel, and pub owners come together to discuss plans for the recovery of the industry in the coming months.