Monday, April 12 has arrived and that means that certain restrictions that have been in place since the end of 2020 have started to ease.

At the last Government briefing on March 30, we were told that while Ireland would remain under Level 5 throughout April, restrictions would be eased on a phased basis over the course of the month. From today, people can enjoy slightly more freedom in terms of travel while it's also possible to meet with one other household outdoors socially.

Official guidance on Gov.ie states that from today:

• Schools will fully return, with all students back in the classroom for the first time since December. Parents are asked to continue to be vigilant for the remainder of the Easter break and following the return to school. In particular, parents are requested to avoid play dates or sleepovers so that we can continue to keep case numbers as low as possible and continue with the next phase of the reopening of schools
• People can meet one other household outdoors, but not in gardens. Any meetings outdoors should be safe, with continued practising of social distancing and other safe behaviours. Masks should be worn if in a busy outdoor setting
• We can travel within our county or within 20km of our homes if crossing county boundaries
• All residential construction can restart as well as early-learning and childcare projects

From next Monday (April 19), it is planned that we will see a 'return of elite sport and training for and playing of adult inter county National Gaelic Games Leagues, not including minor or under 20 competitions.'