COVID-19 restrictions will be extended for another fortnight with few changes.
From May 5th the travel limit will increase from 2 to 5 kilometres and older people who are cocooning will be allowed to leave their homes for exercise.
The measures were agreed by cabinet earlier, follow recommendations from the National Public Health Emergency Team.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says Ireland will begin to reopen from the 18th of May. From that date, outdoor work can resume. Garden centres, hardware stores and repair shops will be allowed, while some outdoor sporting fitness activities will be allowed
Fron that date, it will also be possible to meet small groups outdoors.
Also this evening, a further 34 COVID-19 related deaths were announced in Ireland, with the total number of deaths rising to 1,265.
221 new cases were announced, including four COVID diagnoses in Clare.
It brings the total number here to 236.
