Declan Ganley 
Galway-based businessman Declan Ganley has said he intends to “press on” with his challenge to the restrictions on public worship, despite the return to public Mass on May 10.
Mr Ganley’s case was postponed again at its last hearing until May 18.
“The bans that were put in place were in our view unconstitutional and disproportionate,” Mr Ganley told The Irish Catholic.
Even though the citizens of Ireland are expected to be allowed to return to Mass on May 10, Mr Ganley said the grounds for his case haven’t changed, and that there is the potential that “the same ban could be imposed later on this year”.
“That hasn’t changed,” Mr Ganley said, “We intend to pursue the case as its important from a legal standpoint.”
Meanwhile, Mass is expected to return on May 10 with the ‘pod-system’ that was in place at Christmas and last summer which allows for more than 50 people in the church.
Responding to a query from The Irish Catholic, the Department of the Taoiseach confirmed the system by which public worship would work upon its return.
“Pods of 50” are to be allowed, and greater than 50 may only be permitted under special circumstances.
Where the size of the premises or the place of worship allows for a capacity of greater than 50, this is to be allowed, provided “social distancing guidelines are adhered to”.
As well as this, the premises must be subdivided into distinct sections, which must be “cordoned or marked appropriately”, with a minimum of 4 metres between each section, and each section must have its own entrance and exit route.
There must also be separate arrangements for the elements of the service involving close contact, such as the distribution of Holy Communion.
