The Irish government is under pressure to reopen in time for summer. The Government is reportedly resisting the pressure to accelerate the planned summer reopening amid concerns about a potential spike in Covid-19 infections.
Sources said there is growing worry within Government about moving too fast.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said last night that by “going slowly” until more than half the population is vaccinated, setbacks in the plan can be avoided.
He said: “The Government will meet this Thursday to set out a clear plan for easing restrictions in May. There will also be a clear indication of what June and July are going to be like.
“Our absolute goal is to avoid a fourth wave of hospitalisations, and of deaths, in Ireland. The experience from Christmas and the situation in India shows how quickly this virus can take over.
“We also see from Israel just how effective vaccines are. There is still a lot of uncertainly ahead and the road will be bumpy but things are going in the right direction. By going slowly until more than half of the population is vaccinated we are taking the best course of action to avoid a major setback.”
