Roadmap for Ireland's economic recovery from Covid-19 is accelerated

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has confirmed an acceleration of the roadmap for Ireland's economic recovery.

There will now only be four phases with phase three starting on June 29 and phase four from July 20 as phase two kicks in on Monday.

He explained detailed guidance will be published next week for hotels, bars and restaurants.

Pubs and bars that can operate as restaurants can open - but they won't need a restaurant licence.

Table service and social distancing must be in place.

He said controlling outdoor dining was a matter for local authorities, but he would like to see the use of more outdoor space.

The issue of holding weddings will be considered as part of phase three and four.

Places of worship can resume also services from June 19.

All shops can reopen from Monday. Shopping centres can reopen on June 15 but no congregating at food stalls.

Playgrounds, once supervised, can reopen from Monday.

Summer camps can also be held with no more than 15 people mixing together.

Athletes can return to training and greyhound racing can resume without spectators.

Up to 25 people can attend funerals and public libraries can reopen on Monday.

There will be a special education programme for children with special needs.

From Monday groups of up to six can meet indoors or outdoors once they keep two metres apart.

Groups of up to 15 people can meet for outdoor sporting activities.

Over 70s and the vulnerable can welcome people to their homes. Also from Monday people can travel anywhere in their own county or 20km from their homes, whichever is the greater.

Phase three, beginning on 29 June, will see all domestic travel restrictions lifted.

The opening date for hairdressers and barbers remains July 20.