All St Patrick's Day parades have been cancelled after a cabinet sub committee meeting this afternoon.
The government has also approved a large financial package to respond to the spread of the Coronavirus.
Due to the unique nature and scale of the St Patrick’s Day festivities, in terms of size, and the mass gathering of local and international travellers, the Government has decided that St Patrick’s Day parades, including the Dublin parade, will not proceed. #Coronavirusireland
— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) March 9, 2020
A large amount of that money will be set aside to provide sick pay supports for people who have to self-isolate.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been briefing opposition leaders this afternoon after meeting key Minister and officials.
Informative meeting this afternoon with other party leaders and the Chief Medical Officer regarding #coronavirus #COVID19 This virus is a very serious issue for the whole country and everyone has their part to play in delaying its spread and helping to protect our communities.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 9, 2020
Political leaders will meet twice a week to discuss containment plans.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said parties must work together to protect communities.
Meeting of party leaders just concluded. We will meet twice weekly to consider Coronavirus containment plans. The responsible call on St Patrick's day has been made. We must act together to protect our families and communities #coronavirus
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) March 9, 2020
Earlier it was revealed both the Dublin and Cork Parades would not go ahead.
In Cork, the decision has been made due to "the evolving circumstances around Covid-19 virus".
The announcement there was made following a meeting between the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr John Sheehan and Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty.
In a statement, the Council says the cancellation comes due to "the evolving circumstances around Covid-19 virus".
The parade has been cancelled after a risk assessment, based on World Health Organisation guidelines, was carried out.
It found that based on the demographic of those attending the parade, the close proximity of people attending the event and the duration of the event, Cork City Council is not in a position to provide the necessary assurances in relation to current WHO Guidelines.
The Council says the welfare of attendees and participants is its primary concern.
