The National Public Health Emergency Team is expected to implement further recommendations on social distancing and public gatherings after large numbers of people flocked to beaches and parks last weekend.
Good weather in recent days has seen large numbers of people visiting beaches and outdoor areas where they are in close proximity to others.
Gatherings where people do not observe a 2m distance between themselves and others have sparked concern over the further spread of coronavirus.
In parts of the country, gardaí were mobilised to block car parks to some of the country’s busiest beaches and parks.
Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal Charlie McConalogue says it is clear that some people are still not getting the message about the importance of social distancing.
Deputy McConalogue said: “While health authorities have indicated that it is desirable to get exercise and fresh air, they have made it clear that this should be done as close to people’s home as possible. It is not an excuse for a day trip or an unnecessary journey.
“We are in a public health emergency and it is essential that everyone plays their part and takes all possible precautions in the days ahead to minimise the spread of COVID-19. As the main attraction and destination point this weekend appears to be beaches and some public amenities, I think a strong message needs to be sent by temporarily closing them to make it clear that we all must act in a way that reflects a national public health emergency, not a holiday period.”
Deputy McConalogue has added to the call for a temporary closure on beaches and some public amenities during this national public health emergency.
“I am contacting the relevant Government Ministers, the HSE and our local authority to highlight the experience this weekend, which I know has also been seen in some other parts of the country too, and to request that there are temporary closures of beaches and some public amenities so that the message gets out that the travel activity we saw this weekend is not acceptable at this critical time,” concluded Deputy McConalogue.
