Cllr Sarah O’Reilly: Outdoor Activities Unfairly Targeted Under Covid Restrictions
Aontú Cllr for Cavan & Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Sarah O’Reilly, has called on the government to stop the unfair targeting of outdoor activities under Covid restrictions.
Cllr O’Reilly: “Its my view that the latest statement by the Gardaí that pheasant shooting is not allowed under the exemption for sports and exercise, is another example of the unfair targeting of country sports. Hunting, fishing and hiking, to name but a few have all been banned under the government’s Covid restrictions. These are activities which are easily done within social distancing regulations, and have untold mental health benefits at a time when that is needed most. Pheasant hunting and fishing are not linked to any Covid outbreaks or clusters.”
“In fact, the Covid cost of these activities is next to nothing, with the benefit being a boost to the mental health of local communities and a boost to local economies. The fishing and hunting sectors employ thousands of Irish people, and have been core parts of many rural communities for centuries. For many of those in my community, these activities offer a great chance to look forward to something and get some relief from all the bad news this year. Taking these activities away from our local communities is heavy handed and unfair. Why take fishing, or hunting, or golf, or even mass when there is a negligible Covid threat but a great mental health benefit?”
