The re-opening of Ireland has gathered pace today, with the announcement of the removal of a range of restrictions by the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and a number of Ministers.

• On the same date, the numbers allowed at outdoor venues will increase to 200 – but only for venues with a capacity of 5,000 or more. Fans of Hot Press Munchelgladbach 1891 will be thrilled to hear that sports matches will also be permitted. Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres will also re-open on that date.

• Four weeks later, on July 5, a new phase of the re-opening will come into effect – unless fresh scares arise in the meantime, that is.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed that from that date indoor service in restaurants and bars will be allowed.

Where music and other events are concerned, indoor activities can proceed with a maximum attendance of 50 in the majority of venues. But 100 will be permitted to attend in larger venues with what are called “strict public health measures” in place.

Outdoors, a maximum of 500 will be allowed to attend an event or gig, but only where there is an “accredited" capacity of 5,000.

"Maybe it won't be big acts... local acts and that might be fun" says Varadkar of the concerts.

Taoiseach says Minister Catherine Martin mentioned something about opera in Cork

— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) May 28, 2021

• Ireland will not implement the EU Digital Covid Certificate straight away. However, July 19 is potentially a red letter day for travel, with the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan confirming that Ireland will then finally begin to operate the EU Digital Covid Certificate (DCC) for travel that originates within the EU or the EEA – which includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. A so called “emergency brake” has been promised by the EU, to react quickly to any potentially infectious Covid variant that might emerge.

There was vagueness on the issue of travel from third countries, including the US and UK – though the Minister did say that similar measures similar to the EU Digital Covid Certificate system will be put in place. There will be no restrictions on travel between Ireland and Northern Ireland

EU countries will be removed from the Mandatory Hotel Quarantine list, although the situation will be kept under constant review. Mandatory Hotel Quarantine will remain in place for a small number of countries.

• From August 2, another milestone in the re-opening will be reached, with the promise is that the Public Transport System will return to full capacity.

• While any further decisions remain aspirational and will depend on developments in the interim, the intention is that from 5 August there will be a further increase in the numbers permitted to attend indoor events, with 200 in larger venues and 100 in all others. Up to 100 guests will be allowed to attend weddings, suggesting that income for wedding bands might just become possible.

"We know there have been many twists and turns on this journey," the Taoiseach said, before going on to make the point that guarantees are still in short supply.

"We all want out of the restrictions,” he aded, "but that will require each of us as individuals –friends neighbours and family – to stick to the guidelines that are still in place.

"If we continue to mind each other, make the right choices, be vigilant, take our vaccine when our turn comes... the end of this is within our grasp.”

Meanwhile, despite the re-opening plans, the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, said that the key message to business and workers is to work from home if possible. The Fine Gael leader confirmed that he saw no great likelihood that this advice would change before September, but the Government plans to examine the possibility of a ‘staggered' return in August.

There were 467 new Covid cases registered in Ireland today.

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Details to be announced soon on tickets for trial events.

Sporting bodies will likely do their own thing. Antigen testing role still to be confirmed.

— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) May 28, 2021