The Republic has reached a “major milestone” in its Covid-19 vaccination plan, with 90 per cent of adults now fully vaccinated.
By the end of today, more than seven million vaccines will have been administered, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said.
It marks a huge landmark in the country’s vaccination programme.
The Republic has raced ahead of the north where take-up rate for first doses is close to 90% of the adult population. However, concerns have been raised that vaccination rates have not been as high among younger members of society.
Marking the Republic's success, Mr Martin tweeted: “We’ve reached two major milestones in our vaccine rollout. 90% of adults over 18 are now fully vaccinated.
“And by the end of today, 7 million Covid vaccines will have been administered.”
The landmark was also welcomed by Health Service Executive (HSE) boss Paul Reid.
Mr Reid said: “Brighter news. Progress on a range of areas related to Covid-19.
“Today 90% of adults are fully vaccinated with 92.5% partially.
“Hospitalisations are trending downwards. 329 in hospital, 54 in ICU.
“Overall testing positivity reducing but high volumes in schools still.”
The Dublin government’s roadmap to lift all major restrictions by October 22 will be boosted by the high number of vaccine uptake.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar previously said that October 22 is “dependent” on achieving the milestone of having 90% of people fully vaccinated as well as passing the peak of the Delta variant.
The Republic has one of the highest vaccine uptake rates in the European Union, coming second to Malta.
The programme has been hailed as remarkable by health officials.
However, the Republic also has the highest incidence rate of the disease in the EU.
Data produced by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) shows that Ireland’s 14-day incidence rates now sits at 434 cases per 100,000 people.
