An official announcement is expected tonight.

But details of a new plan that will see Irish society reopened on a phased basis during May and June have been revealed following last night’s Government meeting with the National Public Health Emergency Team.

Under the new plan, all construction sites will reopen on May 4th, six days before inter-county travel returns and hair salons and barbers reopen on May 10th.

According to reports, non-essential retail can also open for click-and-collect shopping on May 10th, with stores set to reopen fully on May 17th.

Starting on May 10th, up to three households will be permitted to meet up outdoors, but we’ll have to wait until after the June bank holiday to meet at the pub; outdoor dining and drinking are not expected to reopen until June 7th, although the good news is that the €9 ‘substantial meal’ rule will be scrapped.

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin is expected to detail a “comprehensive” plan for reopening the country tonight.