Leo Varadkar confirmed the news on Friday afternoon.
Local lockdowns will remain in place in Kildare, though Offaly and Laois have had theirs lifted with immediate effect.
The lockdown will remain in place in Kildare for two more weeks.
However, it was confirmed that schools in Kildare will be reopening as planned.
At a press briefing on Friday evening, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that Kildare has nearly 200 cases per 100,000, while nationally the figure is 27.
"The country is safer now, because you complied with measures"
Dr Ronan Glynn thanks the people of Laois, Kildare and Offaly.@JOEdotie
— Rob O'Hanrahan (@RobOHanrahan) August 21, 2020
Leo Varadkar also announced that Kildare businesses will receive a 40% uplift overall, bringing the new minimum grant to €5,600 and the maximum grant to €35,000.
The Tánaiste said: “I realise how disappointing today’s news will be for the people of Kildare. It has been a devastating few months for business owners, their staff and families. I recognise that and we are redoubling our efforts to help businesses.
“It has been a devastating few months for business owners, their staff and families. By extending these restrictions now, we will avoid further, more damaging measures later on.
“We must do everything we can to protect people. The people of Kildare are making a sacrifice on behalf of the entire country. I recognise that and we are redoubling our efforts to help businesses.”
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