Professor Sam McConkey says a twelve-month plan is needed to stop repeated lockdowns next year.
The infectious disease specialist at the Royal College of Surgeons said the Government should introduce one strict period of restrictions and then a solid structure of how we live with the virus long-term.
He said the constant movement up and down between levels of restrictions creates unpredictability across all of society and business.
Ireland is moving to Level Five restrictions from Christmas Eve with some exemptions.
Restaurants, pubs, hairdressers, beauticians, cinemas and galleries will all have to close from 3pm on Christmas Eve.
Non-essential retail is allowed to stay open but January sales events must be deferred.
Inter-county travel restrictions will come back into place after midnight on St Stephen's Day.
There will be an exception for people returning home after that date.
Household visits will be reduced to one other household from the 27th of December.
However, household visits will be banned from January 1st.
Additional supports for businesses that will have to close will be provided.
Weddings will be allowed to go ahead with 25 people up to and including January 1st and will then reduce to 6.
Speaking on The Joe Finnegan Show, Sam McConkey said it's not too late to control how the virus enters the country.
