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Ireland lockdown changes: Which restrictions are being lifted today?

A NUMBER of key changes to Ireland's lockdown have been made today as the nationwide relaxation of public health measures continues.

Towards the end of last month, restrictions were eased for the very first time since October, and just last week the Government announced the country's roadmap out of lockdown.

While many are still looking ahead to major changes coming in July, June and even later in the month, today is still a fairly significant day in terms of easing lockdown.

Which restrictions are being lifted today?

As of May 4, the construction sector can return to full activity, having been initially closed just before Christmas.

Other outdoors workers, such as window cleaners and maintenance workers are also allowed to resume their jobs.

Irish Rail has also confirmed that it will return to a full, pre-Covid timetable - although it will still be running at 25% capacity.

What has the Taoiseach said?

Micheál Martin says the new set of rules announced by the Government last week could be described as 'Level 3 plus'.

"The key thing is outdoor is healthier in terms of avoiding getting the virus as opposed to indoor activities.

"So that has meant some variation on strictly going from Level 5 to 4 to 3. You could describe it maybe as Level 3 plus and there are variations but the overall framework is very helpful to us in terms of making these decisions."

Which restrictions will be lifted next?

May 10:

Inter-county travel returns
Sports training for adults returns
Hairdressers and barbers return
Click and collect returns
Three households or six people can meet outdoors or in a back garden
Vaccinated households can meet with another household indoors
Libraries, museums and galleries return
Up to 50 people allowed to attend weddings, but only 6 at reception (indoors) or 15 (outdoors)

May 17: