Ireland lockdown changes today: The key restrictions being lifted on May 4, exit timeline and next steps

Today's date is not only a significant one for Star Wars fans but it is also the start of this month's restrictions being eased nationwide.

With all the talk about May 10, you may have forgotten that some big changes are happening today too.

May 4 will see the construction sector return to full activity as sites over Ireland reopen after being shut at Christmas time.

As well as this, outdoor workers such as window cleaners and maintenance workers can also return.

Irish Rail has too confirmed that it will return to a full, pre-covid timetable while still operating at 25% capacity - in relation to the DART, this includes sitting and standing. 

Share your views on Ireland's reopening plan here or below:

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said that the new set of rules announced by the Government could be described as 'Level 3 plus'. 

He said: "The key thing is outdoor is healthier in terms of avoiding getting the virus as opposed to indoor activities.

“So that has meant some variation on strictly from going from Level 5 to 4 to 3. You could describe it maybe as a Level 3 plus and there are variations but the overall framework is very helpful to us in terms of making these decisions.”

Here's are all the rule changes that you need to know for May and June:

Shoppers leaving Penneys on Dublin's Henry Street, as the country opens up again after the recent Level 5 lockdown (Collins)

• The following changes are set to come into effect from May 10:

  • Inter-county travel returns
  • Sports training for adults returns
  • Hairdressers/barbers/beauticians are back

  • Three households or six people can meet outdoors or in a back garden

  • Click and collect shopping resumes

  • Vaccinated households can meet with another household indoors

  • Libraries, museums, and galleries are back

  • 50 people allowed at funerals and wedding services, but only 6 can come to the afters of the wedding indoors, or 15 outdoors

  On May 17:

  • The mass reopening of non-essential retail

  On June 2:

  • Hotels will be allowed to reopen, with the bonus for guests able to eat meals like their breakfast inside

  On June 7:

  • All pubs and restaurants allowed to open again to serve, but only outdoors initially
  • Gyms and swimming pools will reopen

  • Any household can visit one other

  • Amateur sports matches are back on

  • Guests at wedding receptions up to 25

  • Cinemas and theatres to reopen