The Athlone man has struggled with a wrist injury for several months.
Robbie Henshaw is once again part of a matchday Irish 23 ahead of their Six Nations clash with Scotland on Sunday.
Johnny Sexton will captain the side.
He returns to take his place at out-half, having missed the win over Italy.
Tadhg Furlong will make his first start of the campaign in the front row, while Garry Ringrose is named in the centre.
Conor Murray starts at scrum-half, with Jamison Gibson Park named on the bench.
Meanwhile, Scotland provide the latest test for Ireland in their under-20 Six Nations campaign.
The two sides meet in Scotstoun tonight from 7.15.
Ireland remain on course for a Grand Slam, having won their first three matches.
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