Irish people living in the UK will most likely be unable to return for Christmas.
The Transport Minister has confirmed the 48 hour UK travel ban is likely to be extended.
The ban on flights and passenger ferries has been implemented in response to the rapid spread of a new strain of covid-19 in parts of the UK.
Only ferry crossings for freight will be allowed after a new strain of Covid-19 in England has shown to 70 percent more transmissable.
The ban means Irish people living in the UK that were due to come home for Christmas will now most likely not be able to do so.
Minister Eamon Ryan says the 48 hour ban was brought in to buy the Government some time.
''It is likely to be extended, but we, like a number n European countries have decided to put in a 48 hour travel ban firstly to see how it works'', he said.
''I'm afraid I can't give anyone false hope that there's likely to be major change in that after the first 48 hours, it is just to give us time to asses all the options and what further variations or changes might be needed''.
