Dublin Bus should bring back the Nitelink without delay to make sure people can get home from the city centre safely.
That's according to Fine Gael Councillor Colm O'Rourke, who said that too many people will be relying on the service for it not to be there as the nighttime economy in Dublin finally reopens virtually without any restrictions from tonight.
The Cabra-Glasnevin rep said: "The return of the Nitelink should not be delayed, and a date should be given for its return.
“Many people are waiting for the return of the service, and I hope this happens sooner rather than later.
"As nightlife reopens, people depend on this service to get home safe and sound. Unfortunately, there aren't enough regular Dublin Bus services that are 24-hours to get the public home, including late night or early morning shift workers, frontline workers, students working weekends who can’t afford taxis home and anyone else who relies on the Nitelink."
Cllr O'Rourke believes that, given the current climate of the city and in light of recent incidents of assault, the Nitelink needs to return to make sure people are not left in a "vulnerable position".
He added: “For many, the Nitelink service may be the only low-cost option to get home safely.
"My big worry is that it could put those at risk who rely on this cost-friendly service to get home safely at weekends, resulting in more people walking alone through dark streets.
"All should be done to avoid leaving people in a vulnerable position, and I think confirmation that the Nitelink service is resuming soon would be a step in the right direction."
Almost all restrictions were lifted at 6am this morning, including an end to early pub closing times, social distancing requirements and vaccine passes for access to indoor events.
All indoor and outdoor events will also resume to full capacity paving the way for full attendance at major sporting fixtures this weekend.
However the requirement to wear masks in crowded indoor settings will remain in place for the moment.
Here's a rundown of all of the changes:
Pubs and restaurants
The requirement for pubs and restaurants to close at 8pm will end from tomorrow morning.
There will no longer be a requirement for social distancing or a maximum of six people at a table and masks will not have to be worn in bars.
Table service will no longer be compulsory and customers will once again be able to sit at the bar while patrons will no longer be required to produce vaccine passes.
Indoor and outdoor events
Capacity limits on indoor and outdoor events will be scrapped, meaning a return to full houses at sporting events from this weekend.
Weddings will also be back in full swing with capacity limits abolished for indoor events.
Household visits
The limit on the number of households that can gather in one home have also been lifted.
Mask wearing
The requirement to wear masks in crowded indoor settings, including schools, will remain in place until the end of February.
International travel
There is no change here with those wishing to travel still required to produce vaccine passes for international travel.
Schools
Mask wearing will still be required in schools along with other current measures, including pod systems. These measures will be reviewed at the end of February.
Self-isolating rules
Those with symptoms will still be requested to self-isolate and seek testing for Covid.
Return to offices
There will be a phased return to offices and other workplaces from Monday.
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