U2 donates €10 million to coronavirus fight in Ireland

The Irish government is spending €200m on protective equipment for staff 
Donation: The members of U2 have dug deep to help the fight in their home country
Getty Images
Rachel McGrath9 April 2020
The Weekender

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Rock band U2 has donated €10 million to support health care workers battling coronavirus in Ireland.

The money, which is the equivalent of around £8.75m, will be used to source and buy personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline staff.

A spokeswoman for the band confirmed the move to the PA news agency.

RTE has reported the donation is part of an initiative involving Irish aircraft leasing company Avolon, which is working with public and private companies to raise funds to buy tonnes of PPE equipment from China.

U2 lead singer Bono
Getty Images

The first consignment arrived at Dublin Airport earlier in the week.

The Irish Government is already spending more than €200m securing additional PPE from China, with Aer Lingus transporting the stock from Beijing to Dublin on dozens of flights.

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Numerous famous faces have dug deep to help fund the fight against coronavirus.

On Thursday morning, George and Amal Clooney announced that they would be giving $1million to various organisations and charities, including the NHS.

Additional reporting by Press Association

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