The introduction of a local lockdown in Limerick would be "divisive", according to junior minister and local TD Niall Collins.
The Chief Medical Officer, Health Minister and representatives from the area have been meeting this afternoon amid rising Covid rates in the county.
More test centres and an enhanced public awareness campaign are expected to be among the options discussed.
Around 900 cases have been recorded in Limerick over the last two weeks - but junior minister Collins hopes a local lockdown can be avoided:
"I think we're getting an opportunity now, which is within all our giving here locally in Limerick, for everyone to play his and her part to arrest the numbers."
The Chief Medical Officer says the easing of restrictions in Limerick will go ahead but is urging the public to adhere to public health guidelines.
Speaking to Clare FM, CMO Dr Tony Holohan says they are monitoring the case numbers closely:
"We haven't at this stage formed the conclusion that the measures that are being eased around the country shouldn't be eased also in Limerick, but if we see a continued increase in the level of infection that we're seeing at the moment, we will have to think further about the kinds of actions that we need to take."
