Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has weighed in behind Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien by insisting his nine county tour of the country to promote regeneration grants is essential work. Mr Varadkar said ministers are asked to consider if work-related travel is necessary in light of the country being under Level 5 restrictions. However, Tánaiste said Mr O’Brien’s nationwide roadshow, which involves announcing funding under Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) while meeting council officials and local politicians, should be deemed essential travel. The ministers’ tour has also raised eyebrows in Fine Gael as ministers in Mr Varadkar’s party have been reluctant to travel to promote their departments work. Mr O’Brien’s spokesperson said the minister’s nationwide visits are being done in strict adherence to Covid-19 guidelines.

Source: Irish Independent March 10, 2021 15:00 UTC