Doubt over whether 5k travel limit will be eased next month

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has cast doubt over whether the 5km travel restriction will be eased next month.

The current Level 5 restrictions are due to be reviewed the week before 5 April.

Speaking in Cork this morning, he said the government “gets it” and understands that people are “fed up”.

The Taoiseach said the government would announce the next phase in terms of what will happen with restrictions in advance of the April 5.

However, there are concerns by some in Cabinet over the country’s progress and the plateauing of case numbers.

“We do understand and get it that people are fed up but I want to thank people. People have been remarkable,” he said.

The work done by the public has brought case numbers down from a high level to “relatively low levels”, he said, while also acknowledging the figures are higher than he would like.

The government understands where people are at, he said, but added that the pressure has been taken off the hospitals because of the hard work by the public.

Clear indications as to what April will look like will be given in advance of that date, he said, adding that the government is “reflecting” particularly on what outdoor activities might be possible next month.