A local TD has urged the government to significantly re-open the economy by May 24th or "risk losing the room".
Longford-Westmeath TD Joe Flaherty has criticised senior government figures for delivering mixed and negative messages regarding re-opening the economy and a return to normality.
The Fianna Fail deputy urged Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and his cabinet colleagues to take a brave step and push ahead with easing of lockdown restrictions.
He claimed that next month will be a "line in the sand" for many people regarding the lockdown :