One publican has said he is opening his pub on Monday despite the Government's decision to push back phase four.
Gearoid Whelan of Whelan’s Pub in Maiden Street, Newcastle West, Limerick said he will be pulling pints again come Monday.
The pub owner said if people can travel in from Texas then he can open his pub for business.
All pubs were due to be allowed open on Monday but the Government decided to push back phase four until August 10 at the earliest.
Taking to Twitter the pub owner said: "If the Airports remain open I WILL be opening Whelans Bar on Monday, July 20 with or without government approval.
"As I said earlier it's farcical the way we are being treated."
He later added: "We will be open at 11am Monday morning. Thanks for all the support. If a Texan can come into Ireland and go where he likes, our door is open to our customers who we have served for almost 70 years.
"Family run and 100% safe environment. Looking forward to seeing our friends."
Limerick has now gone six days without a coronavirus case while Newcastle West itself has been largely unaffected by the virus.
Many other publicans have slammed the decision not to open the pubs given half the countries are already operating.
Padraig Cribben, Chief Executive of the VFI, has questioned why this decision has been made.
Mr Cribben said: "This is a shocking decision not to proceed with the planned reopening of pubs and will be a hammer blow to thousands of pubs and their local communities around the country.
"The vast majority of these pubs are small rural outlets run by families who are on first-name terms with their customers and far removed from the crowded venues that concern NPHET.
"As controlled venues we believe these pubs should be allowed open as they are far safer than the likes of uncontrolled house parties and pose little threat to public health.
“We are in a situation where restaurants and pubs already open are having to cope with larger crowds. Opening all pubs would allow for better social distancing and reduce the risk of infection.
“Publicans are reeling from this news. They did everything asked of them by remaining shut for over four months and our members had a reasonable expectation the sector would reopen next Monday."
