Latest figures show a fifth of Covid patients in ICU.
The head of the HSE says hospitals are under "severe pressure" with around 20% of Covid patients in ICU.
The executive is using private hospitals to increase capacity by around 2,800 to 3,000 beds per week.
It comes as just 17 adult ICU beds are available nationwide.
Paul Reid says urgent non-covid care will be provided in private hospitals:

Families Could Face €1,000 Rise In Annual Food Bills Amid Farming Crisis
Over Half of Cigarette Packs Surveyed In Newbridge And Naas Had No Irish Duty Paid
Celbridge Brewery CEO Warns Of Mounting Costs Facing Craft Beer Sector
Amhrán na Laoch Songwriting Competition Confirmed for Irish Music Month 2026
Government Announces Major Overhaul of Anti-Money Laundering Rules
Maynooth University Hosts Special Solar Eclipse Event This Evening
Johnstown Mother Says Today's Solar Eclipse Means Something Extra Special For Her And Her Son
Three Men Detained In Kildare And Dublin Garda Stations Following Brothel Keeping And Organised Prostitution Arrests