'We can begin to do things differently': Taoiseach announces significant reduction in Covid restrictions

“I'm under no illusions about how personally difficult that has been for so many people, young and old to have had to curtail their artistic, cultural and sporting lives for so long,” said Micheál Martin. 

From September 6, Mr Martin said we will see an easing of restrictions on organised indoor and outdoor events and mass gatherings. Picture: Julien Behal

Sectors that have remain closed for 18 months because of Covid-19 can begin to hope again, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said as he announced a significant easing of restrictions.

He said the country is entering a whole new phase of the pandemic and while virus case numbers are expected to rise, the work done by the people allows for a lifting of limitations on our personal freedoms.