Ireland's Prime Minister Micheál Martin on Tuesday confirmed an extension to certain lockdown restrictions until April to prevent another surge in Covid-19 cases.

Earlier in the day, the government opted to extend the maximum level 5 restrictions until April 5. This means non-essential retail, bars, cafes, construction, gyms and other sectors will remain closed. A 5km travel limit will stay in place, as well as a ban on household mixing.

However, schools will begin reopening in a phased system from next week. Under this plan, junior and senior infants will return from the start of next month as will first and second class in primary school. Leaving Certificate classes in secondary school will also return at the same time.

Childcare will also resume in phases starting with the State's Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) preschool scheme a week later (March 8).

Meanwhile, on March 15, the rest of primary school classes will resume. Fifth year students in secondary schools will also return on the same day.

After the Easter Holidays, in mid-April, all remaining secondary school students below fifth year will resume with a complete return to education expected.

Martin had been under some pressure after his UK counterpart Boris Johnson on Monday unveiled a plan to end COVID-19 restrictions in England by June 21, as long as strict conditions are met.

In addition to the restrictions, the government agreed to extend COVID-19 pandemic welfare supports until the end of June. Business representatives in the hospitality industry and other sectors had complained that this third lockdown was killing businesses.

(With input from agencies)