The Covid-19 testing centre at Croke Park has from today closed with its services transferred to Aston Quay as demand falls for tests.
According to the HSE, services have been transferred to a new premises on Aston Quay in Dublin city centre, which has a capacity of delivering 672 tests a day compared to 840 in Croke Park.
Demand for testing has fallen significantly in recent weeks and now stands at fewer than 50% of capacity at testing centres across north Dublin city.
The HSE says that the revised testing capacity at Aston Quay, which is by appointment only, is sufficient to meet current service demands.
Meanwhile, testing facilities will continue to be provided in Blanchardstown, Finglas and Glasnevin.
The HSE said it is currently working to put the necessary arrangements in place for the testing and tracing service.
A spokesman for the HSE said: "PCR testing is still required for certain groups of people and in the short term there will be no changes to the location of Covid-19 test centres.
“We are working on the next phase over the coming weeks to identify any future changes that may be required.”
It comes as from today, the facemask mandate was lifted after two years of restrictions, with facemasks no longer a legal requirement on public transport, in taxis, shops, schools, and other indoor public areas is no longer a legal requirement.
However, Citizens Information says it is "recommended to continue to use a face covering on public transport and in healthcare settings".
"If you have Covid-19 you have to isolate for 7 days and wear a face mask. If you are 13 years and older you should wear a Medical grade or FFP2 for 10 days. If you are under 12 years you should wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days."
Additionally, the rules for close contacts have also changed with close contacts no longer being required to test or self-isolate unless they have symptoms of COVID-19.
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