A midlands TD is criticising the government's slow approach.
The new lockdown could last until the start of March, according to the Tánaiste.
The hospitality sector will have to close while restrictions on travel and household visits are all making a return in the next week.
The government says it's in response to the alarming rise in cases in recent days - with warnings that if no action is taken, there will be 2,000 cases a day by the New Year.
The Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has defended the government's decision to alter NPHET's advice from the start of December - saying it was working until the last few days:
However, Sinn Féin's Brian Stanley says, the government did not act fast enough before the last lockdown.
The Laois-Offaly TD says that it is unfortunate that the restrictions have come in at this time, but necessary for the safety of the public:
Outdoor Event Space Will Boost Laois' Night Time Economy - Fine Gael
Good Things Happen When You Get A Group Of Committed People - Castlepollard Local Development
60km Memorial Walk Starting In Westmeath This Weekend
Car Parking Costs Add Unnecessary Stress To Cancer Treatment Patients - LARCC
Laois Gardaí Investigating Stolen Car
Thousands Of Westmeath Homes Told Not To Consume Tap Water
Under-Utilised Facility Could Get New Education And Training Centre
Most Of The Country Lives Within 300 Metres Of A Licenced Premises
HSE Funding Insufficient For Midlands Population Growth - Sinn Féin
"A Wonderful Husband, Father And Friend" - Mark Walsh Remembered At His Funeral
Rock Legends 'The Cult' To Headline Forest Fest
"A Huge Relief" Parent Reacts To Return Of Nurse To MRHM
Motorist In Westmeath Clocked Speeding On National Slow Down Day
Plans Submitted For Over 100 Offaly Homes
Midlands Student Among Winners At Prestigious Trad Music Awards
Midlands Man Who Died In Workplace Incident To Be Laid To Rest Today
'Exceptional' Nurse To Return To MRHM Paediatric Diabetes Service
Children's Health Ireland Disputing Stats On Cancellations
Support The Bees For 'No Mow May' - Offaly County Council
10 Year Masterplan For Derryounce Lakes and Trails Nearly Set