Travel is to become much easier within days as the new EU 'traffic light' system comes into play and on-site testing starts at Dublin airport. The government has agreed that even travel from 'red' countries will become easier as people returning or arriving from those countries won't have to quarantine for 14 days if they can show a negative test at least 5 days after arrival.
It's the pre-flight testing at Dublin Airport that's the big news, however. Cabinet approved a planning exemption yesterday which will allow a Covid-19 testing facility to be established and run by a private company at the airport. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has been asking for this exemption for some time.
Shannon and Cork Airports have already opened drive-in testing facilities. Under the new system, Irish people will be able to travel to 'orange' countries. If they have a negative test from Dublin, they will not have to restrict movements.
There have been calls on the government to extend rapid results antigen testing for post-arrival passengers. Aer Lingus has told the government that this would allow for a "meaningful increase in safe international travel".
Cabinet approved another €48 million in supports for Irish aviation. It's hoped that rapid antigen testing at all airports pre and post-flight will allow free movement of people around Europe. So, booking that flight to Salou mightn't be such a bad idea and the Wild Atlantic Way may be a bit wilder next year than it was this holiday season.
Travel from the US, which is considered to be a 'red' country by Ireland, is under review by government. At the moment, the same 'red' country restrictions apply at the moment. From the 29th November travellers from the US will not have to quarantine for the full 14 days if they can prove a negative test within 5 days of arrival.
