Construction is set to stop under new proposals to be agreed by the Cabinet tomorrow.
The government is taking a number of additional measures to try and suppress the spread of Covid-19.
Non-essential construction is to stop but there will be exceptions for urgent repairs and social housing, it’s understood.
Another source said the new measures would see a "scaling back" of construction.
The retail sector could also face a tightening of restrictions as Cabinet is to consider putting a stop to the click and collect service for non-essential retailers.
A senior source said a click and deliver service is being considered instead as it would reduce the number of people gathering at stores and clamp down on shops that may not have been fully adhering to measures.
The source said: “Cabinet Ministers will consider if it’s feasible to stop click and collect as some issues have emerged.”
The government is also set to tackle passengers flying into the country.
Cabinet are set to agree that anyone flying into Ireland will have to produce a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before their arrival, that date is to be confirmed.
But it's to come into place from Saturday for anyone travelling from the UK or South Africa, a senior source confirmed.
The travel ban from both countries will now be extended for 48 hours, it was due to expire at midnight tomorrow night.
A source said these measures are being introduced to "protect" the health system.
Meanwhile, creches will remain open to provide childcare for essential workers.
The news comes after Ministers and health officials attended a Cabinet sub-committee meeting today.
