A public health expert says the Government needs to act now to prevent the Delta variant from taking hold here.
A small number of suspected cases of the strain have been identified in the North.
People in Kilkeel, Co Down are being urged to get tested.
It comes after 416 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the Republic, and 74 people are being treated in hospital.
Professor Julien Mercille of the Independent Scientific Advocacy Group says more vaccinations Ireland will keep the Delta variant under control:
