Cabinet has accepted the full NPHET advice to move Dublin to level three restrictions.
Extra measures, including the banning of indoor dining, will also be put in place.
Cabinet Ministers have decided to fully adopt the advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team to move Dublin to level three with some additions.
Cabinet has accepted the full NPHET advice to move to level three (and a bit). Expecting full announcement before 6
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) September 18, 2020
One Minister described the mood in the room as worried as they left the meeting in the last hour.
On top of the level three restrictions there will be additional measures - including the banning of dining indoors for the restaurants and bars that are already open.
They will be outdoor seating or takeaway only.
Church
Religious services are to be moved online which will involve the cancellation of many communion and confirmation services planned for this weekend.
Weddings and funerals are to be limited to 25 attendees.
While people won't be allowed to travel in or out of Dublin except for work, education or other essential travel.
A number of universities have already upped their own safety protocols today by moving many classes entirely online.
While the cabinet meeting heard a lot of sympathy for businesses who may now have to close there was little robust opposition to the measures which are viewed as necessary to stop the increasing number of cases being seen in Dublin.