Lockdown restrictions in Kildare have been lifted with immediate effect.
The county has been under a mini-lockdown for over three weeks due to a huge surge in the number of Covid-19 cases.
In a statement this afternoon, a Government spokesman said: "The Government has decided today that the specific public health measures introduced in Kildare on 7th August will be lifted with immediate effect.
"Public health measures in the county will be aligned with those introduced nationally on 18th August."
Taoiseach Micheal Martin added: "Today’s decision to lift the additional Covid restrictions on County Kildare was only possible because of the people of Kildare - their extra effort, their sacrifices and their patience. And it worked.
"Numbers in Kildare now similar to rest of country. We must all stay vigilant."
Those living in Kildare had been told not to leave the county unless for an essential reason, such as travelling to work.
Laois and Offaly were also initially placed under restrictions but these were lifted after two weeks, while they were extended in Kildare for another two weeks.
The decision was taken to lift restrictions after NPHET reviewed the epidemiological situation which continues to improve and is now similar to that of the rest of the nation.
As of the 29th August, the rolling five-day average in Kildare is 10.8 cases. This compares to a 5-day average of 22.2 cases on 6th August.
A Government spokesperson said: "75 cases were notified in Kildare in the week to 29th August. This compares to 238 cases notified in the week to 8th August, 170 cases in the week to 15th August, and 159 cases in the week to 22nd August.
"The number of cases attributable to community transmission or possible community transmission in Kildare over the past 14 days (16th to 29th August) has been 36%.
"Nationally, the community transmission/possible community transmission rate also stands at 36%.
"As the epidemiological situation both nationally and in Kildare are broadly similar, there is no longer a rationale for a differentiated approach between Kildare and the rest of the country."
Localised lockdowns “do work”, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said following the lifting of Kildare restrictions.
Minister Donnelly said: “I am delighted that today we can lift the extra public health measures in Kildare.
“I am aware that it has been a difficult time for people and businesses in Kildare.
“Their efforts have saved lives in their communities and across the country
“Today is a huge milestone.
“Evidence from Kildare, Laois and Offaly proves that localised measures do work.
“This knowledge will be a key part of our plans as we aim to reduce the spread of Covid-19 while reopening our society and economy.”
However, speaking on RTE’s Drivetime, Dr Cathal Berry who is also an Independent TD for Kildare South said businesses who had been shut for three weeks in Kildare received some support “but not enough.”
He said businesses in Kildare need further support given they have been in lockdown longer than any other county.
