Taoiseach Micheál Martin is set to make an official announcement this evening.
The Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 met on Wednesday night to discuss the National Public Health Emergency Team’s (NPHET) recommendations for the reopening of Ireland’s economy in the months ahead.
It is understood that NPHET gave the go-ahead for a major easing of restrictions over the coming weeks and months, including the reopening of inter-country travel from 10 May.
However, NPHET noted that there should be no major easing of restrictions until that date at the earliest to allow Covid-19 case numbers to continue to come under review.
The suggested reopening dates and proposals will go to the Cabinet on Thursday morning, where government officials will have to sign off on the suggested timeline.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is set to make an official announcement this evening at 6pm in an address to the nation; however, a number of changes are already predicted to be on the cards.
Here’s everything we know so far.
May
It emerged that the Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19 agreed late on Wednesday night to lift the ban on inter-country travel from 10 May. Non-essential retail, including click and collect, is also expected to make a phased return from that date.
Hairdressers and personal services look set to resume business on 10 May on an appointment-only basis, while a wider reopening of retails is predicted for 17 May.
Households are also likely be allowed to meet in groups of six people outdoors, including in gardens, from 10 May.
At some point in May, 50 people will be allowed to attend religious services – including both funerals and weddings.
For wedding receptions, the number will likely be limited to six indoors, and 15 outdoors – rising to 25 in June.
Garden centres and all construction work are also likely to reopen in early May.
June
In the timeline to be approved by Government, gyms and swimming pools look set to reopen on 7 June.
It is understood that outdoor hospitality, including restaurants and pubs, will resume on 7 June. It is expected, however, that there will be no indoor dining in the months of May and June.
Hotels are set to reopen during the first week of June, and indoor dining is expected to be allowed for guests.
The ‘€9 substantial meal’ rule for pubs is also expected to be scrapped and the 15-person limit for outdoor dining may also be abolished.
July
It is understood that Ministers were told phased reopening outdoors in May and June would be relatively low-risk and that a further reopening in July would depend on the rollout of Ireland’s vaccine rollout programme and emerging variants.
A date for the reopening of indoor dining or international travel has yet to be set.
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