Croke Park is to be used as a Covid-19 drive-though testing centre, as new figures to be published this evening will show a significant increase in confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland, RTÉ has learned.

The GAA has offered its national stadium for testing after it was deemed to have a suitable layout and given that no matches are being played at the Dublin 3 venue at present.

It will be a by-appointment-only drive through centre rather than a drop-in facility.

Local residents have been informed by letter.

The Cabinet Sub-Committee met today and it has been decided to further increase funding for the HSE.

Funding will be used to increase community testing and use facilities in private hospitals.

The HSE has written to retired staff and believes it has secured all of the pool of retirees who are in a position to return to work. First-year student nurses may also be invited to assist with contact tracing.

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