Taoiseach Micheal Martin will make an announcement today about the range of lockdown measures set to be lifted in the coming weeks and months.
Mr Martin has promised to provide more clarity on what restrictions will be eased in his address to the nation later.
It emerged last night that some sectors could reopen sooner than expected after new recommendations were issued by NPHET.
The good news is that many of the shops, services and hospitality settings that people want to see reopened will be welcoming back the public in a matter of weeks.
Shoppers forced to browse online for the past few months will be delighted to hear that Penneys will be one of the retailers open for business in less than three weeks' time.
It expected that from May 10, there will be a phased return of non-essential retail starting with click and collect and outdoor retail, for example, garden centres and nurseries.
Under the proposals being discussed by Ministers today, all non-essential shops can open fully on May 17.
While some people might disagree, Penneys is considered "non-essential" and so it will likely remain shut until then.
But the store has already begun its preparation for reopening by adding new staff to its shops in Cork, indicating that it will be more than ready for the crowds.
There will also be a big change for Irish supermarkets like Tesco, Dunnes and Marks and Spencers when all retail opens as anticipated on May 17.
People doing the weekly shop might have noticed that certain areas of the stores which sell homeware and clothing have been closed off to the public in the last few months.
That is all set to go back to the way it was before lockdown when you can pick up clothes, shoes and items to decorate your home in addition to your groceries.
Among the other rumoured restrictions to be lifted next month include the return of hospitality, hairdressers and travel between counties.
May 10 is set to be a big day for the country, all going well, with a raft of freedoms coming to the country.
It is reported that from that date, only ten days away, Inter-county travel will return and hairdressers/barbers/beauticians will be back.
Three households can meet in a back garden and vaccinated households can meet with another household indoors
As mentioned, click and collect shopping could resume, while 50 people could be allowed at funerals and wedding services, but only 6 can come to the afters of the wedding.
A full Cabinet meeting to consider NPHET's recommendations is scheduled for 2.30pm this afternoon.
The final confirmation of all the changes will be announced by the Taoiseach in a State of the Nation address, expected shortly after 6pm.
