Athletics Ireland has confirmed that next month's National Indoor Championships have been canceled.

They've reached the decision due to level-five COVID-19 restrictions being extended until March the 5th.

While elite athletes have been granted exemptions to train, they say the safety of all athletes and coaches come first.

Athletics Ireland says they're now considering hosting a COVID-19 compliant event in order to allow athletes to qualify for the upcoming European Indoors in March.

"We are examining alternative options which would allow for a Covid-19 compliant event for European Indoor qualification purposes and for the attainment of World Ranking points towards Tokyo qualification," they announced in a statement.

"Entry will be restricted to athletes tracking towards Olympic Games qualification and European Indoor Championships qualification, details of which will be published as soon as all details are confirmed and agreed with the government.

"Selection Policy for European Indoor Championships will be updated to reflect the changing circumstances."