IRELAND is accelerating its slow return to normality following news that three major sectors will be reopening next month.
Almost two weeks ago, the Government began relaxing restrictions for the first time in nearly four months.
While lockdown is expected to remain in place until the start of the summer, a number of other restrictions are going to be eased or even lifted over the coming weeks, so long as Covid-19 case numbers remain low.
Despite recent vaccine setbacks, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar reportedly told colleagues during a parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday that the country is on course to begin the next stage of reopening on May 4.
It's understood that click-and-collect services, hairdressers and religious services will be available from next month.
In June, there are hopes that pubs and restaurants will be able to open again, with Varadkar noting earlier this week that the country was "on track" to have a summer similar to last year.
Mr Martin is believed to have told colleagues that he wants to ensure that whatever is opened, stays open.
The Taoiseach and Tánaiste also suggested that foreign holidays could be back on the cards, but not until the end of summer, and only for those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Speaking about summer holidays at the launch of the Be Summer Ready water safety campaign, Mr Varadkar said: "I just honestly think June is too soon. I think we need to get into a position where we have our economy and society largely open here first.
"You know, get back to hospitality being open here, religious services, outdoor gatherings, I think international travel comes after that.
"But I do want to say to people who work in the travel industry, who work in the aviation sector, I know how difficult all of this is.
"You didn’t expect to lose two summers. You lost one and you’re going to lose the bulk of another one unfortunately."
