Tourism bodies are calling for Northern Ireland and the Republic to align COVID restrictions to boost staycations and bring back international travel.

It comes as arrivals into Ireland remain at a fraction of pre-pandemic levels.

The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) is warning that the different restrictions north and south of the border are causing confusion for prospective tourists and operators.

It is calling for the rules in the south to be eased to match those in the north.

This afternoon, senior ministers will meet to discuss a roadmap for ending COVID restrictions in Ireland.

It is the first meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee on COVID in weeks, with hopes that a plan for further easing of restrictions can be announced later this month.

River cruisers at the public marina at Leitrim Village, 09-08-2021. Image: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews

ITIC Chief Executive Eoghan O’Mara Walsh said a single set of restrictions for the entire island would give tourism a real shot in the arm.

“One of the big advantages we have in Ireland is the fact that we have promoted the island of Ireland as one single destination to overseas audiences,” he said.

“I think it is important that is maintained. To maintain that properly and cohesively we really should have one regime of restrictions north and south so that it is much easier for the consumer and the trade to understand.”

He said Ireland’s high vaccination rate should allow us to bring restrictions in line with those north of the border.

Dunguaire Castle near Galway, 30-05-2019. Image: Alexander Prautzsch/DPA/PA Images

One of the main bones of contention for hospitality and tourism bodies is the ongoing indoor dining restrictions in Ireland.

While customers in the Republic need to prove they are vaccinated to dine indoors, this is not the case in the North.

The Republic also continues to enforce earlier closing times in pubs on top of a number of other tight restrictions.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland CEO Adrian Cummins said the differences north and south are causing confusion for international tourists.

“It is important, obviously, that we protect public health at the end of the day but we have two jurisdictions, two different alignments now with regard to restrictions, which is causing confusion,” he said.

It comes after the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan warned that just over 40% of the 54 COVID patients in intensive care in Ireland were under the age of 50.

Some 1,861 new cases were announced last night with 249 patients in hospital.

Dr Holohan said the figures were a “stark reminder” of the need to follow public health measures and take up vaccination as soon as it is offered.

Yesterday, music industry representatives met with the Arts Minister today to discuss the return of live music in Ireland.

The Director of MCD told The Hard Shoulder she believed NPHET was running the country and she had no faith in the Government to restart the events sector.

With reporting from Paul O'Donoghue