Hairdressers, gyms, churches and cinemas to be allowed reopen on June 29th
It has been confirmed that many coronavirus restrictions will now be lifted earlier than planned on June 29th.
Most measures are now being moved forward to phase three of the reopening plan, the Taoiseach has confirmed.
From June 29th barbers, hairdressers and beauticians will be allowed to reopen, alongside hotels, restaurants and pubs that serve food.
All sports - including contact sports - will be allowed to resume from the end of June as well, and there will also be significant changes to the rules around public gatherings.
Coronavirus: Two more deaths and 13 new cases in Republic
Dr Tony Holohan. Photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ieThere have been two more coronavirus-related deaths in the Republic.
13 new cases of COVID-19 have also been confirmed this evening.
Today's numbers bring the total number of deaths to 1,714, and the confirmed cases to date to 25,368.
Aer Lingus to cut up to 500 jobs due to COVID-19 pandemic
The Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus is to cut up to 500 jobs as a result of the downturn in aviation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airline says it is currently operating less than 5% of its normal schedule, and has "no certainty" regarding the restoration of services or the future demand for travel.
The company says it has issued a notification to the Minister for Employment Affairs regarding proposed collective redundancies of up to 500 people.
'His little happy place is back' – Family’s delight as stolen caravan recovered
The Sharkey Carroll familyA caravan that was stolen from the family of a young boy with special needs has been recovered by Gardaí.
It comes after mother Fiona Sharkey Carroll appealed for help finding what she described as her son Seáns “little piece of heaven.”
Earlier this week, she told Newstalk Breakfast that lockdown made the caravan especially important for Seán who has autism, is non-verbal and has no vision in one eye.
State funeral for Detective Garda Colm Horkan to take place on Sunday
A state funeral for Detective Garda Colm Horkan will take place on Sunday.
The murdered officer will be laid to rest in his home town in Charlestown, Co Mayo.
Colm Horkan was shot up to 15 times in Castlerea in Co Roscommon on Wednesday night and died at the scene.
A 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene on Wednesday night and remains in garda custody.
