Summer 2021 is back on. Reopening is continuing at pace for June, July and August underpinned by the acceleration of the vaccination programme.
That was the message from the Taoiseach Micheál Martin as he declared "the end of this is within our grasp". Outdoor pints are on the menu for early next month as well as fans at matches along with gigs and cinemas.
And from early July, indoor dining, indoor sports and more at weddings. August brings even more freedom. Perhaps the most eye-catching element of the big announcement is the return of international travel from July 19 after a lengthy clampdown.
Holidays to Britain, Europe and the US are possible sooner than many had hoped. Airlines are agitating to get back to the skies and senior