IRELAND IS set to take its first tentative steps out of lockdown from Monday with four restrictions set to be eased ahead of a potentially busy month of reopening.
Children will return to in-school classes, while the 5km limit on travel is set to change.
Under the changes, people will now be allowed to travel anywhere within their county or within 20km of their homes if crossing beyond county boundaries.
Residential construction work will be allowed to restart along with projects involving the development of childcare and other early learning facilities.
Individuals will also be allowed to meeting with others from one different household in an outdoor setting, though meeting in private gardens is still prohibited.
The changes come as part of the Irish Government’s plans for the gradual reopening of society.
Provided case numbers stay low, the next step will see elite GAA training resume on April 19 with the rules applying to National Governing Body sanctioned and organised adult inter-county National Gaelic Games Leagues only.
GettyElite sport approved by Sport Ireland can also resume on this date.
The next step on April 26 will see outdoor sports facilities like golf and tennis reopen along with outdoor attractions like zoos and other heritage sites.
Underage sport is also expected to resume on this date in pods of 15 or fewer while the maximum number of people attending funerals will rise to 25.
Plans for the further reopening of Ireland’s economy remain under consideration but the country could see all construction work resume by May 4 alongside a phased reopening of non-essential retail beginning with outdoor retail.
Personal services, museums, libraries, galleries and religious services could also reopen or resume on a staggered based from the beginning of next month.
In any and all instances, the roadmap’s progress will depend on case numbers staying low in Ireland.
