Traffic volumes jumped by 2pc last week, according to Liz Canavan, assistant secretary at Department of the Taoiseach. "It is evident to us that people are beginning to move around again," Ms Canavan said. However, Ms Canavan said that the number of Covid-19 cases remains high. "Ireland is progressing well with our programme compared to EU states, and is well above the EU average," Ms Canavan added. "This is the first time the numbers in the register have decreased since the introduction of Level Five restrictions in December," Ms Canavan added.

Source: Irish Independent February 17, 2021 15:45 UTC