COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic reached Ireland on 29 February 2020, and within three weeks had spread to all counties. 
Response.
On 12 March 2020, the government shut all schools, colleges, childcare facilities and cultural institutions. St Patrick's Day festivals and events were cancelled. Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar addressed the nation that night. On 24 March, almost all businesses, venues, facilities and amenities were shut; but gatherings of up to four were allowed. 
Three days later, the government banned all "non-essential" travel. People were made to keep apart in public.
Lockdown effect.
The lockdown has caused a recession and a rise in unemployment, with a longer lockdown forecast to cause greater damage. 
By mid-April 2020, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) reported that the growth rate of the pandemic had been "as low as it needs to be", that the curve had flattened and that there would be no peak coming.
Cases.
By 25 June 2021, the Department of Health had confirmed 270,477 cases and 4,989 deaths; a rate of 54,184 cases per million and 999 deaths per million population.
More than 90% of those that have died were aged over 65, and most also had underlying illnesses or lived in care homes.