Ireland will begin to reopen in a major way from May 10 with the return of hairdressers, the travel ban being lifted and the return of click and collect.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the Government believes it is now safe to continue moving forward with an easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
In an address to the nation on Thursday evening outlining a phased reopening of the country, Mr Martin said: "The good news is that the strategy is working. Because of your hard work and sacrifices, we are now in a better place."
The Fianna Fail leader said that by Thursday night more than 1.5 million doses of Covid vaccines will have been administered in Ireland. It means almost 30% of the population has received one dose.
He said in weighing up how to proceed, the Government had considered the progress achieved, the impact of the vaccination programme and the need to reopen the economy. But it also looked at the risks of moving too quickly as well as monitoring the issue of dangerous new variants.
11 things that will change from May 10
The ban on cross-country travel will be lifted.
Personal services including hairdressers, barbers will reopen.
There will be a resumption of click-and-collect retail services from May 10.
Three households will also be able to meet outdoors in private gardens, while a vaccinated household can meet with an unvaccinated household indoors.
The full resumption of construction work is also set to begin from May 10.
The number of people permitted to attend religious services is also expected to increase to 50.
For funerals, there is to be a maximum of 50 mourners at the service and no other events to take place.
Weddings can have a maximum of 50 guests at the service with maximum 6 guests at indoor reception or 15 outdoors.
Galleries, museums, libraries and other cultural attractions will reopen.
Outdoor training for team sports will return in for pods of 15 people.
Public transport will run at 50% capacity.
From 10 May
| Activity | Guidance |
| Travel | You can travel between counties in Ireland |
| Visitors to your garden | Maximum of 3 households or 6 people from any number of households |
| Outdoor gatherings | Maximum 15 people |
| Outdoor training | Maximum 15 people |
| Retail | Click and collect services can resume |
| Personal services (hairdressers, barbers, beauticians) | Can reopen for customers with appointments only |
| Galleries, museums, libraries and other cultural attractions | Can reopen |
| Funerals | Maximum 50 mourners at service. No other events to take place |
| Weddings | Maximum 50 guests at service. Maximum 6 guests at indoor reception or 15 outdoors |
| Public transport | Public transport will run at 50 percent capacity |
| Vaccine bonus | If you are vaccinated, you can visit other households indoors |
Another key date in the calendar is May 17, when non-essential retail will begin to reopen.
Hotels, guest houses and outdoor hospitality will reopen from early June.
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