21.01.2021
Parishes Urged to Offer Churches for Use as Vaccination Centres
Parishes throughout Dublin & Glendalough are being urged to volunteer suitable churches and parish buildings for use as mass vaccination centres.
The Government plan for the rollout of vaccines, published in December, suggests that mass vaccination centres will be established once the availability of vaccines increases.
Archbishop Michael Jackson is urging all parishes to examine their church and parish buildings to see if they may be of use in this crucial phase of the vaccination plan.
“The rollout of the vaccination programme is an important next step in our country’s response to the coronavirus,” he stated.
“As might be expected, those responsible for the programme will be looking for suitable venues to administer the vaccine. If you and your Select Vestry or other governance body decide that the church building or the halls are suitable and safe for this purpose please express your interest by following the link below,” the Archbishop added.
The Archbishop’s call comes as St Patrick’s Cathedral has announced that it has offered its services as a mass vaccination centre. The Cathedral’s Dean, the Very Revd William Morton, confirmed that they had made the offer in recent days. He acknowledged that the cathedral had received support from the State in recent times. “We are aware that in the surrounding areas of the Liberties and the Coombe, large buildings were in short supply and if the need is there, we would like to help,” he said.
Christ Church Cathedral has also been offered for use as a vaccination centre. The Dean, the Very Revd Dermot Dunne, has contacted the HSE to let them know that the cathedral is available if needed. “Christ Church holds a central position in Dublin at the top of Dame Street and proves to be a major focal point in the city with adequate space in the nave and crypt for the purposes. I think this is a good move by the diocesan cathedral as the mother church of the diocese,” he stated.
The Office of Government Procurement has developed a central database for offers of goods and services on behalf of the whole of the public service, including the HSE. The link below is to a form which is intended for use by anyone who wishes to offer goods or services that they believe may assist in Ireland’s response to COVID–19.
https://offersofsupport.gov.ie/offers/new