Please note: this page is now out of date due to changes implemented by the Irish Government on 29th June 2020. Read the latest update for Republic of Ireland.

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The Irish government very recently relaxed lockdown restrictions to allow in county travel or 20km radius, for groups of up 6 people from different households to meet outside. More detailed guidance is available here and the Taoiseachs’ speech on 5th June here. This latest Government guidance was released on Friday 5th June and will go live on Monday 8th June 2020. The key headlines are:

• Travel within your county or within your 20km radius if crossing county boundaries
• Up to 6 people outside of your household can meet, whilst staying a minimum distance of 2 metres apart
• Note: Groups of up to 15, including trainers and coaches, may return to non-contact outdoor training activity (but not matches) while maintaining social distancing at all times.
• Maintain appropriate hygiene measures both personal and for equipment rigorously in line with wider guidance on hygiene, for example by using antiviral spray and washing hands thoroughly before and after use
• Maintain physical/social distancing of 2 metres as per government guidance

The national Mountain Training organisations have considered the guidance above and believe it may now be possible for some providers to deliver a limited range of Mountain Training courses in Ireland subject to appropriate control measures. See further guidance on return to work safety protocols.

The latest general Irish Government update for Ireland is here; (also see specific guidance for Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales). Within the Ireland update it includes:

At all times, you should continue to adhere to strict social distancing guidelines when you are outside your home, particularly ensuring you are two metres away from anyone outside your household.

Here are five things you should know for Phase 2:

• Stay Local: You may travel within your own county, and up to 20 kilometres from your home if crossing county boundaries.
• Meeting other people: You may meet up to 6 people from outside your household both indoors and outdoors for social gatherings. Organised outdoor exercise, sporting, cultural or social activities of up to 15 people may take place
• Shops: All retail is reopening. Shop locally, shop safely and support businesses in your community.
• Work from home: It is more important than ever to work from home where possible.
• Transport: Walk or cycle if you can. Only use public transport if you absolutely need to. Public transport capacity is limited because of social distancing requirements.

Courses therefore do not lend themselves to involve overnight stays (including camping) or the use of indoor venues for briefings, course delivery or debriefs. No climbing walls or facilities can be used, and providers can work on a maximum ratio of 1:5 or as per the scheme handbook ratios. Note: Groups of up to 15, including trainers and coaches, may return to non-contact outdoor training activity (but not matches) while maintaining social distancing at all times, which is perhaps pertinent and relevant for led activity.

Mountain Training’s ‘Covid 19 framework for decision making’ outlines our principles by which we expect providers to make any decision on whether to go ahead with a course. Our guidance on safe practice in the outdoors issued to Mountain Training Association members may also prove useful for both providers and candidates. Providers are responsible for mitigating the risks to staff, candidates and the general public during course delivery and will need to have satisfied their own risk assessment about Covid 19. Candidates need to be prepared to adopt the safeguarding measures which will be required for responsible course/workshop delivery and we encourage candidates to engage with the provider to ensure they understand any control measures and can discuss any concerns they may have.

A cautious approach will be necessary to both limit the spread of infection and respect local sentiment. As such, providers in England should take note of local information and advice from organisations such as their own membership organisations (AMI, BAIML, BMG and MTA), Mountaineering Ireland, National Park Authorities, Mountain Rescue Teams and local Tourist Boards. Providers and candidates must consider the reputation of our sector and act accordingly.

Finally, please note that this currently only affects Mountain Training providers in Republic of Ireland. The Mountain Training course delivery situation in Northern Ireland and England is similar but there are variations in government guidance. As the situation develops in other countries, we will issue further coordinated updates. The guidance for Republic of Ireland may change in line with the Government’s advice and may need to be reversed regionally or even nationally if required.