The Government considered reopening bars and restaurants for outdoor dining this weekend following large unauthorised gatherings and widespread street drinking in recent days. 'Pubs a more controlled environment'Mr O’Callaghan said: “It is certainly my opinion that it would be far more preferable to have the pubs open, where people can be controlled and they have access to facilities. I say this on the condition the pubs who are geared up to open on Monday can open earlier. “Cork City Council will continue to have our cleaning crews out over the weekend from 7am to 10pm in the city centre (as we always do seven days a week all year round). “Dublin City Council reminds the public that gatherings of the size and nature seen over the weekend are contrary to public health regulations.

Source: Irish Examiner May 31, 2021 19:00 UTC