‘The beginning of the end’: Limerick business reacts to Covid-19 re-opening plans Reporter: '); “IT’S the beginning of the end – definitely a step in the right direction”. The reaction of local publican and Vintners Federation of Ireland representative Paul Flannery to the news that scores of businesses will re-open over the next two months. Companies which have not yet opened in 2021 will finally begin to start trading again from May 10, with pubs due to open to outdoor business a month later on Monday, June 7 – dependent on the progress in reducing Covid-19 numbers. For more information, click here. Mr Flannery, who runs his family pub in Shannon Street, said: “It’s definitely a step in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go.”