Hardware but not homeware stores will be allowed to reopen from Monday along with a handful of other shops and amenities.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced this afternoon that Ireland would begin easing lockdown restrictions from next week.
He said: “As a country we have done a lot to suppress the spread of this virus. But extreme vigilance will be required until a vaccine, effective treatment or prophylaxis is found, and that might be some time away.
"The only thing that is inevitable is the spread of the virus unless we push it back every day. Coronavirus is a ‘fire in retreat’ but it is not defeated. We must extinguish every spark, quench every ember.”
Here is the list of all things that can begin to open on Monday, May 18th.
Everything that can open on May 18th
- hardware stores
- builders merchants and those providing essential supplies and tools for gardening
- farming and agriculture; garden centres and farmers markets
- Opticians/Optometrists/Outlets providing hearing test services, selling hearing aids and appliances
- retailers involved in the sale, supply and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles and related facilities (e.g. tyre sales and repairs);
- office products and services; electrical, IT and phone sales, repair and maintenance services for home. This does not include homeware stores.
Outdoor public amenities and tourism sites, such as carparks, beaches and mountain walks may reopen
Outdoor public sports amenities, like playing pitches, tennis courts and golf courses may reopen
Outdoor sports and fitness activities in groups of no more than four are permitted within 5km of your home and providing there is no physical contact, and
School and college buildings may reopen for teachers and lecturers to facilitate remote learning.
