Almost 3,000 coronavirus tests are now being carried out every day.
That’s according to a member of the National Public Health Emergency Team, who says he’s confident testing capacity won’t be a barrier to lifting some restrictions next month.
There are now almost 11,500 coronavirus cases here, while 406 people have died.
Chairman of the Coronavirus Expert Advisory Group Cillian De Gascun says testing levels are improving.
"I'm very confident, and a gain there has to be a small caveat that there is a global pandemic, there will still be pressures on supply chain issues.
"But I think we have enough diversity and robustness in the system and contingency as well, and by the time May 5th comes we won't be in a position where testing and contract tracing prevents us being able to lift restrictions."
