A first once-off bank holiday will take place in March this year, with a second taking place annually around St Brigid’s Day.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has officially confirmed the two new upcoming bank holidays by signing them into law on Monday.
The two holidays will fall in March this year and around Saint Brigid’s Day next year, on the first Monday of every February.
This year’s once-off bank holiday on Friday March 18 will commemorate all of those who lost their lives to Covid-19 and recognise frontline workers for their efforts during the pandemic.
It will create a four-day weekend, coming the day after the St Patrick’s Day bank holiday.
Happy first Monday in February everyone. From next year, this day will be a new public holiday #LáFhéileBríde pic.twitter.com/0oDQOPFofk
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) February 7, 2022
The new annual February bank holiday falling around St. Brigid’s day will be the first one to honour a woman.
“From next year, the first Monday in February will be a new public holiday, Imbolc or Saint Brigid’s Day,” Varadkar said.
“It’s the first public holiday to be named for a woman, also a Christian saint of course, and marks the traditional start of the Celtic new year.
“As well as that we’re having a one-off special public holiday this year. That will be held on Friday the 18th of March and it’s going to be a day of recognition and remembrance, remembering those who lost their lives because of Covid and also recognising all of the workers and volunteers who did so much to help us get through the pandemic.”
He went on to explain what the new bank holidays mean for workers, before signing off on the order.
“If a public holiday occurs, you’re entitled to the day off and full pay for that day.
“If for some reason you have to work on the public holiday, you’re entitled to a day off and full pay in lieu, an additional day’s annual leave or double pay. So every worker benefits.”
