The latest round of lockdown will give the health service breathing room to get 125,000 nursing home residents and healthcare workers vaccinated.
The government says its strategy now is "delay and vaccinate" to guard against the more infectious new strain which originated in the UK.
The Taoiseach says all 75,000 staff and residents at nursing homes and another 50,000 healthcare workers should have received two doses by the middle of February.
Micheal Martin says Ireland will be getting enough doses to start making a difference for those at the greatest risk.
Go-Ahead Ireland to Create 400 Jobs Boosting Public Transport in Wicklow
Pat Devlin Calls Time After Four Decades With Bray Wanderers
Wicklow Musician Earns National Business Award For Merging Traditional Culture And Wedding Celebration
Wicklow CYPSC Launch Detailed Project Underlining Importance Of Sleep For Children
Visit Wicklow Digital Campaign Takes Home Prestigious IDI Award