Irish pubs update: Decision date given as health chiefs hint pints could be back within weeks

Health bosses are optimistic that the return of outdoor dining at pubs and restaurants in June will go ahead.

With hospital figures falling and death as a result of Covid on a sharp decline, Dr Tony Holohan said on Friday he has "increasing confidence" that the timeline to reopen could be met.

Ireland's current roadmap would see outdoor services in restaurants and bars, with groups limited to a maximum of six people, return on June 7

And a decision is expected to be made on May 27 as to if the country can proceed with a reopening.

Speaking at a NPHET press conference on Friday, CMO Dr Holohan said: "We've been clear enough in our view in relation to alcohol. We've said before that this virus loves alcohol because it's associated with behaviours that we don't want, in terms of the virus spreading.

A sign that reads 'It's Great To See You Again!' outside Dublin's Bruxelles pub. (NurPhoto/PA Images)

"We're aware that this is happening. And we encourage people to try and maintain a high standard of behaviour, which gets more difficult with the relative consumption of alcohol.

However, the CMO didn't condemn those people who might meet up outdoors for a drink. Instead, he was optimistic when discussing the idea of outdoor hospitality on June 7, specifically in relation to beer gardens and outdoor settings.

Bars & restaurants in Dublin's City Centre. (Gareth Chaney/Collins)

The CMO added: "If I look at it in a different way - and I'm not turning a blind eye to this - we're making progress. The public has a very high level of compliance with this general public health advice. Yes, it falls short of perfection, but perfection is not what we're looking for. We're looking for most of the people to do most of the things right most of the time.

"Yes, alcohol consumption represents a potential risk to that but you can see where we are in epidemiological terms. The level of the disease is stable as events unfolded over the course of the last six weeks. And so, that's giving us increasing confidence that if it doesn't change (case numbers), some of the kinds of activities - like people being able to meet up outdoors and have alcohol and food in an outdoors settings - we're not far away from that point."