Last month, there were only three cases of the virus reported across the country.
A further 18 cases of the Indian coronavirus variant B1617.2 have been detected in Ireland, bringing the total number of cases to date in the country to 59.
The updated figure has risen from 41 last Friday and was published yesterday to the GISAID database.
The update means that 24 cases are linked to the week of 26 April to 2 May, the most recent week for which data is complete.
All 59 cases of the variant reported by the laboratory have gone through a process called whole genome sequencing, which can take up to two weeks to complete.
The B.1.617 variant of Covid-19, which originated in India, has been a topic of much conversation in recent months.
The strain has been identified as a cause of concern, even with an increase in vaccinations over recent weeks, due to the increased transmissibility of the virus.
Last month, there were only three cases of the B.1.617 variant reported in Ireland.
Researchers first discovered the new variant, with two new mutations which may be better at evading the immune system, in India.
In 15-20% of samples from the Indian state of Maharashtra (the state accounting for 62% of cases in the country), a new, double mutation in key areas of the virus had been detected.
The double mutation is concerning because it is located in the spike protein of the virus, which is the part it uses to penetrate human cells.
Spike proteins attach via receptor binding domains, meaning the virus can attach to receptors in our cells. However, the newer mutations include changes to the spike protein that make it fit better to human cells, an issue as it means the virus can gain entry into the cells easier and multiply faster.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today show with Claire Byrne, Dr Cillian De Gascun said there is currently no evidence to suggest that the B.1.617 variant will have an impact on vaccine effectiveness.
He added that the situation is being monitored due to the mutations in the spike protein.
De Gascun added that it is too early to say if the variant is responsible for the rise of cases in India or if the country is just experiencing a new wave of the virus.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
