GARDAI HAVE been handed the power to close pubs and restaurants should they be found in breach of public health rules.
The change comes after President Michael D Higgins signed the legislation put forward as part of the "Criminal Justice Enforcement Powers Covid-19 Bill" into law.
It comes as Ireland prepares for the reopening of so-called “wet pubs” on Monday September 21.
Despite plans for the reopening of all pubs, there are growing concerns over a noticeable rise on cases of coronavirus in Dublin.
A total of 121 new infections were recorded in the Irish capital over the 24 hours covering Friday, September 11.
That number accounted for the majority of Ireland’s 211 new cases reported that day.
The Irish Government is due to meet this coming Tuesday to discuss the implementation of new restrictions in Dublin.
While a provisional date of September 21 has been set for the reopening of all pubs, that date is set to be finalised this week.
Should case numbers continue to rise, then the date could be subject to change.
Commenting on possible restrictions that could come into place in Dublin, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "We are developing a new framework and a new plan in terms of dealing with Covid for the next six months.
"We have worked with the chief medical officer (Dr Ronan Glynn) in this regard and NPHET, that is work still in progress.
"One of the key aspects of that will be a modification of the structure by which advice is filtered to government and making sure we can implement whatever is advised.
"We will consider NPHET's advice on Tuesday in relation to Dublin but we will be publishing a national plan in relation to dealing with Covid in all its aspects."
