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Coronavirus and Boating
File photo of Warrenpont Port, AFLOAT adds were Arklow Shipping general cargo ships meet (today the Arklow Rainbow arrived to the Co. Down port) having crossed the Irish Sea from Garston Port on the estuary of the River Mersey. On the right is the bunker tanker, Mersey Spirit managed by John H. Whitaker (Tankers) Runcorn. AFLOAT over the years as reported regularly when the small ship supplied fuel to diverse vessels throughout the Irish Sea. It is in this sea region that Seatruck Ferries operate as the main and only (ro-ro freight) customer out of Warrenpoint to Heysham. The UK port in Lancashire is where Seatruck also serve a Heysham-Dublin route in addition a Dublin-Liverpool link.
In reflecting on the ongoing public health crisis, Warrenpoint Port CEO David Holmes has issued a statement. “As the second largest port in Northern Ireland, we play a major role as a catalyst for economic growth across the region and…
“Transport keeps us going” - is a slogan in times of Covid-19 that the the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) is part of throughout the EU. ESPO represents the seaport authorities of all maritime Member States towards the EU institutions.
“Transport keeps us going” is the slogan which the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), together with 33 organisations has issued a Declaration stressing the essential role transport is playing in the corona crisis. "Transport and logistics play a crucial role…
Lock & bridge passage is available on the Shannon Navigation
Waterways Ireland advises all Masters of vessels and water users of the following access to navigations and availability of services until further notice: All service blocks are closed until further notice (Ref MN 23 of 2020) Water, electricity and pump…
A canal lock gate in Dublin
Outdoor ethics programme Leave No Trace Ireland has published a set of simple guidelines for getting outdoors responsibly and safely amid the Covid-19 crisis. “Now, more than ever, it is vitally important that collectively, we use the outdoors responsibly, taking…
Bangor Marina in Northern Ireland
Following last night’s announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson of a full lockdown in the UK over the next three weeks, Bangor Marina in Northern Ireland has closed and is asking customers to stay away for the duration of the…
The new plan is part of an 18-month strategy to develop tourism along the Shannon corridor over the next decade to 2030
Waterways Ireland is continuing its public consultation on its Shannon tourism masterplan but has urged members of the public to respond online. The cross-border authority has published its draft masterplan and associated environmental report as part of an 18-month strategy…
Bangor Town Regatta had attracted an entry of 63 boats so far
Northern Ireland's biggest sailing event, Bangor Town Regatta on Belfast Lough has been cancelled over Covid 19 concerns. A statement from the organising club, Royal Ulster, says: - “It is with deep regret that the Organising Committee of Bangor Town…
"We are Islanders" - Ocean Literary Network Publishes List of Covid-19 Supports
The Irish Ocean Literacy Network has published a list of useful supports for individuals and communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. The network, which aims to achieve an ocean literate society across the island of Ireland, has appealed to communities to…
Seafest 2020 in Cork Harbour is Postponed Until 2021 Due to Covid-19
The Covid-19 virus has forced the cancellation of SeaFest, the national maritime festival which was due to take place in Cork in May. In a statement, the Marine Institute said that a decision was taken to postpone the event until…
A tented field hospital beside the Naval patrol ship, LE William Butler Yeats in Galway Docks
Defence Force staff set up a tented field hospital beside the Naval patrol ship, LE William Butler Yeats, yesterday (sun) in preparation for use as a Covid-19 testing centre writes Lorna Siggins A marquee was erected beside the ship in…
EU Increases Aid Rules to Respond to Dramatic Slump in Seafood Sector Due to Covid-19
The European Commission says it is revising EU state aid rules to provide temporary relief for fishing fleets and fish farmers who have been hard hit by the economic consequences of Covid-19 writes Lorna Siggins A “dramatic downturn” in the demand…
Marine Minister Michael Creed
Marine Minister Michael Creed spoke with representatives of the fishing sector yesterday (Friday 20 March) to discuss next steps amid the challenged of the Covid-19 outbreak. As reported on Afloat.ie by Lorna Siggins yesterday, fears have been growing that Ireland’s…
RNLI Issues Safety Advice For Coastal Visitors During Covid-19 Outbreak
The RNLI is urging anyone planning a visit to the coast to stay safe and not take any unnecessary risks. Given the current Covid-19 outbreak in the UK and Ireland and the importance of social distancing and avoiding non-essential contact…
A passenger ferry approaches one of the Aran Islands offshore of the west coast of Ireland
A number of offshore islands have gone into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic with tourists and holiday home owners being discouraged from travelling there. Ferry companies serving the three Aran Islands (Inis Mór: see story) and Inishbofin have agreed…
The Rail and Maritime Transport (RMT) union called the move by Stena Line during the coronavirus outbreak "outrageous". Above AFLOAT adds is the new Stena Estrid on its maiden sailing (in January) departing the Port of Holyhead and when bound for Dublin Port.
On the Irish Sea ferry company Stena Line has told staff they won't be paid their normal sick pay during the Covid-19 pandemic, a union has said. The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMT) said the ferry giant has removed its…
Scottish Series Regatta Cancelled Over Coronavirus Restrictions
The Scottish Series, Scotland's biggest sailing event scheduled for the Clyde on May 22 is the latest yachting regatta to become a casualty of Coronavirus restrictions. In a letter to competitors issued this morning, the 2020 cancellation stated that the decision…

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Irish Sailing & Boating

Since restrictions began in March 2020, the Government is preparing for a 'controlled and gradual return to sport' and the 2020 sailing fixtures are being tentatively redrafted by yacht clubs, rowing clubs angling and diving clubs across Ireland as the country enters a new phase in dealing with the Coronavirus. The hope is that a COVID-19 restrictions might be eased by May 5th as Sport Ireland has asked national governing bodies for information on the challenges they face. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called coronavirus.

To help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) everyone has been asked to stay at home. But some people may need to do more than this.

You may need to either:

You do these things to stop other people from getting coronavirus.

Read advice for people in at-risk groups

Read advice about cocooning.

Restricted movements

Everybody in Ireland has been asked to stay at home. You should only go out for a few reasons, such as shopping for food.

But you need to restrict your movements further if you: 

  • live with someone who has symptoms of coronavirus, but you feel well
  • are a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus
  • have returned to Ireland from another country

You need to restrict your movements for at least 14 days.

But if the person you live with has had a test and it is negative, you don't need to wait 14 days. You should still follow the advice for everyone - stay at home as much as possible.

Close contact

This is only a guide but close contact can mean:

  • spending more than 15 minutes of face-to-face contact within 2 metres of an infected person
  • living in the same house or shared accommodation as an infected person

How to restrict your movements 

Follow the advice for everybody - stay at home.