It would be “difficult to justify” a ban on public worship again this year for Holy Week and Easter, according to Catholic Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan.

“I think that it would be difficult to justify closing churches for Easter and quite unpopular,” he said as Covid-19 rates continue to fall and the vaccine is rolled-out.

Bishop Deenihan described the current restrictions as “understandable and necessary” saying they “enjoy public support” in the context of the number of cases.

Noting that public worship was not permitted last Easter, Bishop Deenihan said that “Priests and parishioners are now quite concerned that we will not be allowed to celebrate the Easter ceremonies this year either.

“As numbers decline and as vaccines are rolled out, particularly amongst those who are most vulnerable, that would be difficult to justify,” he said.

“Our churches are probably safer than shopping malls and supermarkets – there is less movement and more social distance. I think that it would be difficult to justify closing churches for Easter and quite unpopular,” he said. Easter Sunday falls on April 4 this year.