The Government is expected to relax significantly more COVID-19 restrictions than planned from next week.

Cabinet this morning discussed the next phase of the roadmap, with the Taoiseach set to confirm this afternoon that Phase Two can go ahead.

Leo Varadkar is expected to announce that people will be allowed to travel anywhere within their county from Monday – a major change from the original plan to extend the 5km to 20km.

The change comes amid concern that a 20km limit would make little difference to people living in isolated rural areas.

It is understood Cabinet has also agreed to scrap the movement limit entirely at the end of Phase Two –weeks earlier than originally planned.

File photo of a pint poured in a Dublin bar, 15-03-2003. Image: Haydn West/PA Archive/PA Images

Meanwhile, confirmation that pubs with restaurant licences can open at the end of this month is also expected.

Officials have also been asked to examine whether hotels can open earlier than planned to try and squeeze some benefit out of the summer season.

It emerged last night that larger shops will be allowed to open from Monday, provided they have on street access – another change from the original plan.

Some playgrounds will be allowed to reopen next week and Mr Varadkar is expected to make an announcement regarding summer camps for children with disabilities.

Other changes that were on the original roadmap include allowing groups of four to meet indoors provided they can follow social distancing and a return to work for people who can observe social distancing in the workplace.

Anyone who is working from home will be advised to continue doing so.

The Minister for Health Simon Harris speaking to the media after a Cabinet meeting at Dublin Castle, 04-06-2020. Image: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Speaking last night, the Health Minister Simon Harris said he hopes measures can continue to be lifted if the virus is kept under control.

“I think we have to be somewhat careful,” he said. “I think what we are likely to see is a consideration of going to Phase Two as envisaged and then a potential small number of additional measures that could be considered in relation to children and older people.”

“I should say this though – moving from one phase to the next to the next to the next is not inevitable. It is not guaranteed and it very much depends of the behaviour of this virus.

“If the behaviour of this virus changes, if the trajectory of this virus changes, our plan changes as well.”

He appealed to people to continue to be responsible as shops reopen, saying just because a shop returns, it does not mean we all have to go there at the same time.

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan at the nightly COVID-19 briefing, 04-06-2020. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingnNews

The next phase will also see a return to non-contact training for team sports and the reopening of libraries.

Meanwhile, fresh guidance will be issued on observing social distancing at events or house parties.

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said people should stay away from gatherings that breach the guidelines.

“When you are out and about; when you are invited to things or attend things, recognise what crowded places look like,” he said.

“It seems like a simple thing to say. If you see a crowd, stay away. If you are invited to something that is crowded, stay away. If you are invited to something you know is not in keeping with public health advice, stay away."

With reporting form Seán Defoe