A number of lockdown restrictions look set to ease in Ireland from April 5 - but pubs are unlikely to return before mid-summer.
Government officials are currently discussing the measures that will come into force at the start of next month as the current Level Five lockdown is due to be extended.
An extension to the 5km limit, outdoor gatherings and the phased return of construction are understood to be the main priorities.
However unfortunately it looks like bars and restaurants will remain closed until at least the middle of June - or possibly longer.
It is already accepted that the return of personal services, which encompasses hair salons, and indoor hospitality are not going to be recommended by NPHET, and so will not be considered by Cabinet.
A senior Government source told the Irish Mirror when asked about haircuts and pints: “I’m afraid they’re off the table for now, until mid-summer really.”
He added: “They are not in the running at all for next Tuesday’s announcement.”
And it is also almost certain that the reopening of personal services - such as hairdressers - and hospitality are firmly “off the table” according to one senior Government source.
The considerations on the table next week are now limited to the following five, in this order of priority:
Lift the 5kms travel limit
Expand limited outdoor gathering
Phased reintroduction of construction
Sports and training for kids
Adults’ outdoor non-contact sports like golf and tennis
A Cabinet Minister explained to the Irish Mirror how the priorities will play out.
He said that the “best-case scenario” is that all five will be announced as being eased from April 5th at next week’s latest ‘State of the Nation’ address from Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
However, if case numbers do not improve, then the priorities at the bottom of the list will have to be dropped.
He added: “take them in order, knocking them off from the bottom if the numbers aren’t right.”
The source said that this means: “Golf is out if that happens, and other outdoor adult sports.”
Another Government source said there is a “keen” interest in getting the restrictions on children’s activities outside, number four on the list, eased next Tuesday.
