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Coronavirus: Retail reopens in Republic of Ireland

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Non-essential retail is allowed to re-open in the Republic of Ireland for the first time since December.

Queues are expected outside many stores that have been closed since Christmas.

Several big chains are planning to offer late opening hours to accommodate the likely demand.

Last week, the Irish government loosened some restrictions such as the reopening of hairdressers and on gatherings at weddings and funerals and click and collect services resumed.

Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Leo Varadkar has urged people to "stay safe" and to shop local "if you can".

He tweeted this would allow businesses to stay open.

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The next stage of the country's roadmap includes the reopening of hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering and hostels from 2 June.

From 7 June, the Irish government plans to reopen restaurants and bars for customers outside, as well as some easing of the rules on indoor gatherings and individual use of gyms and leisure centres.

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Hairdressers and beauticians were allowed to reopen in Ireland from 10 May

'Not going backwards'

The industry body Retail Excellence said the reopening was possible due to progress in the country's vaccine rollout.

Retail Excellence managing director Duncan Graham said he had been given assurances by the Irish government the industry will not be "going backwards" after Monday's reopening.

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Shoppers queued as many stores re-opened on Monday morning

Ireland's Minister for Business, Employment and Retail Damien English said it had been a "long road" for retailers to reopen after more than five months, according to RTÉ.

"We must remain vigilant in the fight against Covid," he said.

"Public health and safety must always be paramount but with caution and by working together we can once again enjoy the old normality," he added.

August earliest for overseas travel

While shopping has resumed, Mr Varadkar warned that non-essential overseas travel from Ireland will not resume until August at the earliest.

He also said he hoped the Common Travel Area (CTA), allowing people to travel to Great Britain from Ireland without restrictions, would be restored "very soon".

In a press conference on Monday, he said he expected the EU Digital Green Certificate to be in place by mid-June.

He also said mandatory hotel quarantine would likely be in place for "quite some time".