Note: Corresponding letters were also emailed to Mr. Paul Reid, H.S.E., Minister Stephen Donnelly, and Tony Holohan (cc’ing the other members of NPHET)
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin,
prior to Christmas you commented that that the country is “mobilising an unprecedented national effort” in response to the current Covid-19 crisis, the Irish Event Industry would like to play our part in that effort.
While we understand that many people must receive vaccinations within existing Healthcare facilities there is also recognition of the need to offer large scale vaccination services for the majority. It is also apparent that temporary indoor venues and outdoor (“drive-thru”) vaccination centres offer the safest and most practical solution to this need. It is with this in mind that we are contacting you. As an industry we have all the necessary skills, resources, technology, and expertise required to support our government, the H.S.E., and other relevant stakeholders in the swift roll-out and delivery of this extraordinarily important service.
Infrastructure suitability, service capacity, project management, procurement, site assessment, and general health & safety all require expert and skilled consideration. Our industry’s workforce have a proven track record in the management of queues, booking systems, event site and traffic management along with a necessary understanding of the legislative requirements and planning processes associated with the installation of similar temporary facilities. We are geographically spread throughout the country and have established local working relationships with Local Authorities and other relevant Statutory Agencies.
By applying event project management skills from the initial planning phase, it will ensure that a robust national plan is developed, that maximises on the expertise, resources and support services readily available nationwide. By utilising the personnel, venues and resources that are lying idle, and will remain idle, in the Event Industry we can ensure that these vaccination centres are compliant, well located, managed, and maintained 24/7.
Processing hundreds of thousands of interactions in a short timescale may seem insurmountable to many, for our sector it’s just another day at the office.
We request that you engage our sector’s services immediately to enable us to assist with the nation’s recovery in an efficient, effective, safe, and timely manner. The Event Industry Association of Ireland, and our members, are available to advise on an overarching strategy, procurement processes and to provide any other guidance or information required to implement the above. We sincerely wish to apply our combined and coordinated expertise at this time to unburden and assist our public sector colleagues.
We would sincerely appreciate your support and hope to hear from you soon.
