In line with the plan set out in COVID-19 Resilience & Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead, the Government has announced (29 April 2021) the phased easing of some public restrictions for the month of May, to commence on Tuesday 4 May.

The Government’s Press Release on the matter can be read here and the Taoiseach’s speech from last night, Thursday 29 April, can be read here.  

Easing of restrictions, Republic of Ireland by date: - see also more detailed information on work, travel etc on the Government’s website here.

May 2021

Everyone should continue to work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person.

From 4 May

All remaining construction can recommence.

From 10 May

  • An increase in the numbers that can meet outdoors for social/recreational purposes, including in private gardens – maximum of 3 households or 6 people.
  • Organised outdoor gatherings with a maximum attendance of 15 people.
  • Outdoor training for adults in pods of a maximum of 15 people.
  • Phased reopening of non-essential retail. Click and collect, in store by appointment only and outdoor retail can recommence from 10 May.  (All remaining retail to reopen from 17 May).
  • Reopening of personal services by appointment.
  • Reopening of galleries, museums, other cultural attractions and libraries (lending services only).
  • Recommencement of in-person religious services. No communions or confirmations should take place.
  • Funerals – 50 mourners permitted at service. Related events, either before or after should not take place.
  • Weddings – Services - 50 guests permitted at service (civil or religious).  Celebration/Reception - 6 for indoor gatherings/15 for outdoor gatherings.
  • Inter-county travel can resume.
  • Increase in numbers on public transport, up to 50% of normal capacity.

*From 10 May, indoor private home visiting is permitted (without masks or social distancing) in the following cases:

  • Fully vaccinated people can meet indoors with other fully vaccinated people as long as there are no more than 3 households present.
  • Fully vaccinated people can meet indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household, provided that they are not at risk of severe illness and no more than 3 households are present.

Please read this detail here for further information including relating to the month of June.

Members in our GB region should access this website here for Covid-19 information relating to the GB region.

Members in Northern Ireland should access this website here for information relating to our Northern region.

Members of our Australian region should access this link here and our New Zealand members here.

For information about Coronavirus symptoms, testing and keeping well see the HSE’s website here.