1,293 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the last 24 hours in Ireland.
382 people are now in hospital as a result of complications with the virus, with 61 of those suffering in the ICU.
The latest announcement comes just hours after Cabinet Minister Michael McGrath has confirmed Covid-19 restrictions will begin to be eased from next week.
Speaking on his way into the Cabinet sub-committee, Mr McGrath said: “I would be confident that from next week we can start making progress in practical terms in unwinding some of the restrictions that are there and that will be done over a number of weeks into October.
“I don’t believe you will see any big declarations that the battle with Covid is over or any of the sort because it is not.
“What you will see is a move away in a gradual sense from a rules and regulations based system to one that does place an emphasis on personal responsibility and on living alongside this virus in a cautious way.
“People have done all we have asked of them.
“The level of vaccine uptake has been phenomenal.”
When asked what restrictions could be eased from next week, Mr McGrath, who is Minister for Public Expenditure, said: “As Minister Ryan has said the issue of public transport capacity is one that we’re keen to move on very quickly because the return of education and a gradual return of people to their normal place of work, there will be a need for that capacity in the public transport system.
“I think we’re likely to see an early return of Confirmations and Communions as well and other such events."
