Management at Ballymaloe Cookery School say the facility was not breaching Level 5 restrictions after hosting 9 international students for a cookery course

It follows reports received by RedFM News that some students undergoing the course flew in to Ireland before lockdown to take part in the course and were being catered for.

However management say that in line with Government Guidance, they had already taken the decision to cancel the January course, but given the tight timing of the announcement, a small number of international students had already arrived in Ireland to quarantine prior to the Level 5 Lockdown. 

These students were offered the opportunity to join their ‘Ballymaloe Bubble' after a 14 day quarantine and had been taking part in classes and activities but due to concerns that have been expressed, the cookery school have decided to cease the classes. 

In a statement issued to RedFM News management at the well-known cookery school say the Ballymaloe 12-week Certificate Course would usually host over 60 students on a residential basis but in line the current restrictions the January course was cancelled. 

However as a small number of international students had already arrived in Ireland to quarantine prior to the Lockdown, management say they felt they had an obligation to these young people, who had travelled alone to Ireland and were reluctant to travel internationally again to get home. 

In a statement issued to RedFM News  Rebecca Cronin, a Manager at Ballymaloe Cookery School, said that having taken into consideration their situation and their isolated location, the students were offered the opportunity to join their ‘Ballymaloe Bubble’ once they had completed their 14 day quarantine and agreed to adhere to the cookery school's strict lockdown rules. 

Classes and activities were organised for these nine students, but management insist it in no way resembles the experience they should have had, and they made the right decision in the circumstances and given their duty of care.

However management say they are aware of concerns expressed recently and so have decided to cease the classes and say the students will make travel arrangements when it is possible and safe to do so.