Are we there yet? Your second Travel Megathread (threadbans in OP}

New York Times is reporting that EU could be open in a week for vaxxed Americans, including Ireland. Leo might have to have a word with our ambassador for signing up to this.

'The list of safe countries based on epidemiological criteria will be finalized on Friday, and the new measures could go into effect as early as next week, according to European officials.'

The craic will be fierce at that travel memo meeting next week as the first US tourists are snogging the blarney stone.

CruelSummer wrote: »

Aoife also stated that her view (ISAG's view) was no International travel should take place until 80% of the whole population are vaccinated, including children.

Her comment 'People are sensible, no-one wants to get on a plane in the middle of a pandemic to go on holiday' was quite the eye-roller, unattended to by Claire.

If that's the case Aoife, we don't need the fine, do we?

Ray Donovan wrote: »

How would one go about getting proof a previous infection that would work for travel does anyone know?

Ask the hackers, they have your medical files at the moment

Doctor Jimbob wrote: »

Just heard a clip of Micheál Martin on the radio saying Aer Lingus shouldn't be closing anything at Shannon or Cork.

Now why do you think they might be closing them Micheál? Could it be anything to do with the excessive restrictions on travel imposed by your government?

According to the Independent, he was also saying that every effort will be made to restore international travel with a decision due to be taken by government next Tuesday.

Tazz T wrote: »

New York Times is reporting that EU could be open in a week for vaxxed Americans, including Ireland.

Ireland would have to "opt in" under Schengen Acquis Protocol

faceman wrote: »

Given the airtime “experts” like McConkey and McLysaght get, there are plenty of people here in this thread with expert status, yourself and myself included :pac: :pac:

Joking aside, I don’t think anyone is claiming the pandemic is over because they want their holibobs. With testing in place and the Travel Cert on the cusp of being introduced, there’s no justifiable reason that Ireland has for delaying non essential travel. The excuse of variants just doesn’t cut it given the vaccines work against all variants.

What do you mean by this? It’s very much a misrepresentation of reality. EU countries are continuing on their paths of deescalation with some not required testing from tourists.

That sounds great in theory but as I’ve already pointed out, the stats show us that herd immunity isn’t necessary to reduce the dangers of covid. Hospital cases have dropped dramatically. Covid clearly only had a serious impact on the elderly and vulnerable risk groups, and the vast majority of those have been vaccinated. If Tony Hulahoop is telling grandparents that they can go out and “hug their grandchildren”, then what does it matter if their grandchildren are in Glasnevin or Rome. The vaccine doesn’t stop working when you get on an airplane.

Excuse my French. But thats horrlicks . As detailed no one I know listens to or follows McConkey. But more importantly he's got feq all to do with any of the restrictions as they stand..
Tbf the only time I hear his name mentioned is here and the other covid sceptic thread

But I reckon you've answered your own question
"With testing in place and the Travel Cert on the cusp of being introduced"

Indeed things are changing - but those demanding to do what they like regardless of restrictions here or in destination countries really don't need any more encouragement than they already get off social media.

Not to invoke the things which were never said clause :pac: but no I hadn't referred to variants. But yes I can certainly see why countries are keeping travel restrictions - I have yet to find any which are totally restriction free

But you ask why travel? Because travel especially travel by mass transport where theres is frequent close contact / lack of social distancing and carries a significantly higher risk of infection. Antigen / PCR testing doesn't protect you from that. Then there's everything again associated with people going on holiday which are known to carry higher risks of infection. I know some people think their invincible but the fact is with Covid no one is. You may get , get sick or not but chances are you're going to pass it on. So yeah travelling to hug your grandkids may be a bit of an issue.

That said I'd reckon some of our wannabe I must go on holiday now! people are going to get a bit of a surprise when they end up abroad and learn that very few places are restrictions free - thats of course if they can actually get there and back without getting stuck in quarantine when countries travel statuses can change at the drop of a hat as happened last year.

Skippette wrote: »

According to the Independent, he was also saying that every effort will be made to restore international travel with a decision due to be taken by government next Tuesday.

Yip. See u next Tuesday Micheal.

They’ve hummed and hawed long enough. The removal of this 2k fine thing has to be priority number one at next weeks meeting or restoration of international travel will not be be taken seriously.

Why are issues as serious this always end up being pushed out to next week and not being treated as the crisis it actually is.

Wow that was quite a few pages.

I think it should be said that for those, especially that one poster that went full nuclear here about those wanting to travel, that travelling to Belfast and flying out is not breaking the law and is perfectly legal, in the CTA from May 24th. Trying to get people banned here is absolutely childish, especially on vague statements, some of which don't break or flout any rules.

Valhallapt wrote: »

Yes and they are proportionate. I am not aware of any country preventing its citizens from leaving. Irelands restrictions are disproportionate.Yes but "My Right" under the Irish constitution and various EU treaties including Maastricht is being disproportionality restricted, under exceptional powers Dáil Eireann restricted my movements at various times during the pandemic for health concerns, I'm ok with them doing that. 2Km, 5Km, 20Km inter county are all ok with me as they treat every EU citizen equally. Under those restrictions it is justifiable to not allow intra EU travel. But all those restrictions are gone, now we're left with an arbitrary policy which discriminates against different parts of the EU. whilst I am free to get on a bus to donegal and sit in a bookies all day, I am not allowed from travelling to my home with my wife and kids.
By you logic if we start to fine children for going into a classroom, we are not denying their right to an education. air quotes...., what if the member of "gardai" has the same mentality as you, the SI is ambiguous and open to interpretation, there for I am open to being unjustly sent a FPN because the "gardai" don't take my word that I have a "home" in Portugal or that my travels there are essential.

What are you on about? Tbf most of that's just hot air and general moaning.

If you wish to travel to your "second home" (in quotes) because that what you called it btw - Then print out your residence card or similar and job done. You won't be fined. And on the tiny chance you meet a garda having a bad day - you'll be able to appeal it.

But yes different countries having different restrictions - so no its not "disproportionate" just because you say so. The EU have not asked the government to remove the fine - so looks like there's no issue there atm . If they decide there is - come back after your essential trip to your second home and we'll discuss it further ...

In the meantime those who advocate ignoring restrictions - shouldn't be surprised if they get called out on it.

Corholio wrote: »

Wow that was quite a few pages.I think it should be said that for those, especially that one poster that went full nuclear here about those wanting to travel, that travelling to Belfast and flying out is not breaking the law and is perfectly legal, in the CTA from May 24th. Trying to get people banned here is absolutely childish, especially on vague statements, some of which don't break or flout any rules.

Who was saying travelling to Belfast was illegal or trying to get "people banned"?

Afaik its common knowledge that from May 24, people in Northern Ireland will be able to make non-essential trips to other parts of the Common Travel Area including the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

However the Northern Ireland government has yet to announce any relaxation of its international travel rules.

Swaine wrote: »

Why are people persisting with Dublin airport? Train up to Belfast and away you go, no problems. €40 return instead of some €100 PCR test and being made feel like a criminal

You still have to quarantine on your return.