The first Aer Lingus cargo flight will leave for China tomorrow morning to collect a consignment of Personal Protective Equipment.
It will return to Dublin airport late on Sunday evening.
The HSE is spending over €230m to buy the much-needed supplies for healthcare staff, in the battle against the coronavirus.
The Chinese Embassy in Dublin says landing slots for 10 Aer Lingus flights have been secured.
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It comes as the Taoiseach said Ireland's intensive care units will be at capacity within the next few days.
The number of people who have died having contracted Covid-19 in Ireland now stands at 19.
There are over 40 Coronavirus patients in ICUs across the country.
