Cabinet approves plans for new bank holiday starting this year

And right after Paddy's Day too - we love to see it.

For a couple of months now there's been rumours of a new bank holiday coming. Given the difficulty of the last two years, Cabinet were discussing the potential for a day to both commemorate those who have lost their lives to Covid, as well as thank frontline staff for their incredible work. According to The Journal, Cabinet approved of this today:

"Cabinet has approved plans for an additional bank holiday and a national commemorative event on 18 March this year. The date will be marked as a day of remembrance and recognition for those who died and worked throughout the pandemic."

The commemorative event will take place on Friday the 18th March 2022. Then from 2023, there will also be a new public holiday at the beginning of February to celebrate St. Brigid's Day. Ireland has significantly fewer public holidays compared to other European countries. Cabinet also approved a €1,000 tax-free bonus for public sector healthcare workers to thank them for their work over the course of the pandemic. Header image via Shutterstock READ ON: NPHET expected to recommend easing of restrictions