There's a call for today to be turned into a public holiday.
It's been suggested that St Brigid's Day could be used as a memorial day for those who have died with Covid-19.
The start of spring is being marked today on the Gaelic calendar.
President Michael D Higgins has issued a special message on St Brigid's Day.
Today, on #StBrigidsDay, President Higgins says Ireland's only female patron saint offers an example and hope for the future.
Read or watch the President’s message for #LaFheileBride at https://t.co/xGTlTzRtoL pic.twitter.com/NLGJ7jElln— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) February 1, 2021
There is now call for the 1st of February to be turned into a public holiday.
Junior Minister for Research and Development Martin Heydon says he has asked the Taoiseach to consider it:
🌼🌿@MartinHeydonFG is calling for #StBrigidsDay on February 1st to be considered as a new Public Holiday in Ireland to bridge the gap between existing holidays and to mark the first day of Spring. pic.twitter.com/zV2ysc51ms
— Fine Gael (@FineGael) February 1, 2021
Last year it was suggested that an extra bank Holiday could be on the cards to boost tourism, however, there has been no further update if such a measure is to be introduced.
Those supporting the idea say it would be a fitting way to recognise the sacrifices of the Irish people during the pandemic and highlight the hope ahead.
