The association representing the leisure, health and fitness sector has said government supports will be required due to the financial challenges that reduced capacities will present.

Ireland Active has welcomed the decision to allow gyms, swimming pools and health and leisure centres to reopen from 29 June.

However, it said further support will be needed for the sector and the association said it will continue to engage positively with the government over the coming weeks and months.

The chairperson of Ireland Active, Joe Cosgrove, said he "welcomes the re-opening of the leisure, health and fitness sector," which he said will now help to "focus on rebuilding the physical and mental health of the nation".

However he said "reduced capacities will present financial challenges in sustaining a sector that gets over one million people active each week in swimming pools and gyms".

Ireland Active said it has published a framework for safe operation, which will assist its members in reopening safely.

The association said further clarification will be needed in the coming days over the implementation of the capacity limits.

Ireland Active said it will "continue to engage with the government to gain this clarity".