The re-opening of indoor dining will be delayed by at least two weeks after a late night meeting of Ministers last night.
It followed stark figures that were given by NPHET to the cabinet sub-committee about the Delta variant.
Cabinet's due to meet this morning to finalise the plans, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin making an official announcement this afternoon.
Speaking in the early hours of this morning after the Cabinet sub-Committee meeting, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan says the modelling presented to Ministers of the Delta variant's potential is raising concern.
NPHET warned of potential large spike in cases and increased deaths due to the Delta variant - however Ministers say this was a worst case scenario forecast.
Cabinet also accepted NIAC advice to allow under 40s to be given the AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines.
However, for the first time those age groups will have a choice of what vaccine they get, and can opt for the mRNA options instead, subject to supply issues.
It essentially means many people could be vaccinated sooner, and those not comfortable with the small clotting risks associated with the Astra or J&J vaccines can wait a little longer for an alternative.
