Cabinet has approved the further re-opening of the country over the summer months.
The first festival of 2021 is due to be held on June 26th.
There's plans for a trial event with 3,500 people in Phoenix Park.
Other, smaller events planned in June for Iveagh Gardens, INEC Killarney and Limerick Concert Hall.
Health Officials Report Additional Covid Cases
Meanwhile health officials have reported an additional 467 cases of Covid 19 today.
99 patients are in hospital with the disease, 38 of those are in ICU.
As of midnight, Thursday 27 May, we are reporting 467* confirmed cases of #COVID19.
38 in ICU. 99 in hospital.
*Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update.— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) May 28, 2021
Further Re-Opening Plans
Under plans approved today three households will be allowed to meet up from July 5th even if they haven't been fully vaccinated.
Outdoor dining will open on June 7th with indoor dining allowed a month later on July 5th.
Gyms and cinemas can also open in June - while a number of music and sport events will be trialled through the month with fans allowed to attend.
International travel will resume on July 19th with the adoption of the EU's digital green cert.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the health service has administered more than 2.6 million vaccines.
He says almost 100% of over 70s are fully vaccinated.
"The strategy is working.," he says.
The Taoiseach has emphasised that continued progress "is not inevitable."
He's also monitoring new variants he says, especially the Indian variant.
"This is an important time for us all."
"After the trauma of the last 15 months."
"We're finally taking definite steps to where we can enjoy normal times with friends and loved ones again."
Adding to that, he says, "we're almost back to the point to where we can enjoy the ordinary extraordinary moments in our lives."
"This sense of hope, excitement and relief is palpable."
The Measures Have Worked - Donnelly
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says NPHET has approved the changes:
"We are opening at a pace that I think is beyond most people's expectations."
He explains why: "really because the public health measures in place we have, have worked or are working."
"That's only because people are sticking with them."
I would honestly walk barefoot over hot coals for an opportunity to go to the All Ireland Football quarters/semis/final this year
— Tom Douglas (@TomDouglas95) May 28, 2021
DATES:
June 2nd
Hotels, self catering and B&Bs to reopen
June 7th
Indoor visits (with 1 household).
Outdoor dining and bars to open
Gyms, Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools to reopen
Cinemas, theatres to reopen for max 50 people
25 allowed at wedding receptions.
Driver theory tests (25k per month).
June
Driving test centres
Day Centres for older people
July 5th
Indoor dining.
Indoor visits (3 households).
Indoor team sports and classes.
200 at matches and outdoor events, small venues.
500 at outdoor events in large venues (5,000 capacity or more).
July 19th
International travel to resume
50 guests at weddings in July, 100 in August
