Publicans have welcomed the announcement of earlier re-opening dates for their sector.
It was part of an acceleration of the roadmap to re-open the country by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Friday.
Under the plan, the number of re-opening phases has decreased from five to four.
Phase three will start on June 29th and phase four on July 20th.
Under phase three, bars that also operate as restaurants can open from June 29th.
While all other pubs are set to re-open on July 20th - three weeks earlier than originally planned.
Both the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) and the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) said this will come as a "major relief" to the pub sector across the country.
Both organisations also welcomed the commitment made by the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan that the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will develop guidance for the hospitality sector in the coming days.
Padraig Cribben is VFI chief executive: "This is a welcome shot in the arm for publicans who will have been closed for more than four months by the time they re-open on July 20th.
"Pubs were the first sector to close on March 15th, a decision our members supported for the good of public health.
"Moving the re-opening of pubs to July means publicans can avail of an extra three weeks trading, something that is particularly relevant as it extends the summer season."
And Donall O’Keeffe, LVA chief executive, added: After a prolonged period of uncertainty pubs who serve food are relieved to finally receive the green light from Government that they can definitely re-open along with restaurants on June 29th.
"We were consistent in advocating for pubs to receive the same treatment as other hospitality businesses that serve food and drink, so we are pleased that the Government has taken this on board in the adjusted re-opening roadmap."
"Pubs will adapt and while it may take time for our valued customers to become accustomed to this new reality it’s important to remember this won’t be forever and a strong and vibrant trade will emerge at the end of this crisis".
