The news comes as part of the “Reframing the Challenge, Continuing Our Recovery and Reconnecting” plan which was announced as part of the Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s address to the nation on August 31.

As part of a reopening rollout announced by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, nightclubs will be reopened on October 22. This raft of announcements comes as the country prepares for a near-complete return to normality on that date.

Despite being described as “high-risk activities” the opening of nightclubs is expected on October 22, and are contingent on Covid conditions being stable.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin announced a pilot nightclub event will be taking place in September ahead of the full reopening of the sector.

These plans are contingent on a 90% vaccination rate and a “manageable level of Covid” being in place, at the time of reopening.

As part of his address to the nation speech, Taoiseach emphasised the importance of vaccination and covid-testing.

“The pandemic is not over. With the delta variant, great uncertainties remain. We will need to stick to the basics. Even after 22 Oct, you will still need to wear a mask in healthcare, public transport and retail,” Taoiseach said, “if you have a cough or feel unwell you do not leave the house and you do not mix with others.”

As part of this easing, social distancing, mask-wearing outdoors and in private settings, limits on numbers at indoor and outdoor events and activities, restrictions on religious or civil ceremonies, and limits on numbers that can meet in private homes/gardens will all be removed from October 22.

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