The following update was provided by Jane Carney, Training Officer for Mountaineering Ireland (MI).
- MI has produced regular advice for the country’s hillwalkers and climbers during Covid-19. Guidance has been provided throughout different stages.
- Like many other federations, MI has cancelled or postponed a number of events.
- Meetings have taken place online with staff working remotely. Contingency planning for their return, to follow government guidance.
- Main impacts: Reduction or removal of travel time & cost for staff & members. More frequent communication, better geographical representation, and improved attendance due to the use of online platforms. Improved inter-organisational collaboration and transparency. Reduced carbon footprint: materials, emissions, the impact of our members on the environment. An opportunity to focus on strategy, review programmes, complete training.
- Some climbing and mountaineering areas in Ireland are accessible again. Some climbing gyms are open again – they are all following the social distancing and hygiene protocols supplied by the appropriate government. Limited numbers are permitted, with some walls using a number count, visible on their website and utilising online booking facilities.
- Travel is permitted across the island of Ireland.
- General guidance regarding the Republic of Ireland can be found here.
