The Taoiseach is expected to make an historic announcement this evening as Ireland looks to a post-Pandemic era.
Excitement has been building around the country since the news first emerged that NPHET would be advising the Government that they could lift almost all COVID restrictions.
The hospitality sector has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic with a huge drop in customers, mounting debts and a lack of staff.
Maurice Donovan from the snug told red FM news that the prospect of a full reopening has put a spring in the step of many in the trade:
"I think people will just be delighted to sit at a bar counter to just get out for a meal without social distancing. And the other thing I do hope for is the removal of masks for the staff because they've had a horrendous period of time wearing them indoors for eight, nine hours a day."
It's not yet known what day restrictions will be lifted but General Manager of the Bantry Bay, Adam Fitzgerald, says pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels will need time to get back to normal:
We're kind of okay because we've retained our core staff but for larger premises, it's going to be tough, but there are many people out there that are really looking forward to getting back to work again. You can be back at full capacity and staffing between two to three weeks."
NPHET is due to make an official announcement at 6pm this evening.
