Ireland is finally set to take some big steps out of lockdown in the coming days and weeks.
The country has spent the entirety of 2021 under heavy restrictions in a bid to control the third wave of Covid-19 infections.
However Taoiseach Micheal Martin addressed the nation on Thursday and shared the summer reopening roadmap, with some major changes expected in May.
And the first new measures are expected within days, as all construction will restart on May 4, while outdoor workers are also allowed to return on this date.
While the Government has also confirmed that a decision on restarting indoor dining at pubs and reopening nightclubs will be taken at the end of next month.
A spokesman said that "a number of higher-risk activities will be considered at the end of June for later in the year".
This decision will include the following sectors:
- Indoor hospitality (restaurants, bars, nightclubs, casinos).
- Indoor team/group sports including matches, training and exercise classes.
- Mass gatherings/events (including spectators) indoors and outdoors.
- International travel
Here is a full list of the changes we are expecting over May and June:
May 4
All construction can restart.
Workers who work outdoors (for example: window cleaning, maintenance work) can return to work,
May 10
Inter-county travel
A maximum of 3 households or 6 people from any number of households can visit a private garden.
Outdoor gatherings of 15 people.
Outdoor training of 15 people.
Retail click-and-collect services
Hairdressers, barbers, beauticians reopen by appointment.
Galleries, museums, libraries and other cultural attractions reopen.
Maximum 50 mourners at funeral services. No other events to take place.
Maximum 50 guests at wedding services. Maximum 6 guests at indoor reception or 15 outdoors
Public transport will run at 50 percent capacity
Vaccinated people can meet other households indoors.
Share your views on Ireland's reopening plan here or below:
May 17
All retail can reopen.
June 2
Hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and hostels but services must be restricted to overnight guests and residents.
June 7
You can have visitors from one other household inside your home.
Restaurants and bars can return for outdoor services with groups limited to six people.
Maximum guests at wedding reception increases to 25.
Outdoor sports matches can be played but with no spectators.
Cinemas can reopen.
Gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres can reopen for individual training only.
