CONFIRMED: Outdoor pubs and restaurants will reopen on June 7

Taoiseach Micheál Martin addressed the nation this evening.

Outdoor dining in restaurants and wet pubs will resume on June 7, it has been confirmed. The government considered plans for the reopening of the economy and society earlier today. It was agreed that given the new evidence surrounding outdoor activities, an 'earlier-than-expected' approach would be applied to such services in the hospitality sector and beyond. Addressing the nation, Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed the news after days of discussions between the Cabinet, committee members and health officials. Also reopening on June 7 will be gyms and swimming pools. The reopening of indoor hospitality services will depend on the vaccine rollout, but will likely commence in July. The government also confirmed today that hairdressers, salons, and barbers will be permitted to reopen on May 10, with non-essential retail reopening one week later on May 17. Hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses will be permitted to welcome guests from June 2, while outdoor sports and training can also commence from May 10. Ahead of the address Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney told Newstalk that NPHET said the new measures carried a "low to moderate risk" but that plans will be changed if there is a spike in cases.

"We’re not out of the woods, but we’re part way there,” he said. “I think NPHET got it right here, the government decision will be made on the back of well thought-out and clear public health advice.

“We have to give people as much certainty as we can," he went on. "We’ve got to keep people with us, they are tired and frustrated and worried about their businesses.”