Ministers believe further re-opening of the country in May is still on track despite concerns about the vaccine roll-out.
Hairdressers and other personal services are set to return next month as the number of cases continues to fall.
There's growing confidence among Ministers that restrictions will be able to be further eased in May as the number of new COVID cases falls and the impact of the vaccination programme is felt.
Click and collect services could resume as early as May 4th - with the full return of non-essential retail later in the month.
Personal services like barbers and hairdressers are also set to return around the middle of next month - while outdoor activities are under review as well.
A roadmap for what can be eased through June and July will also be put together towards the end of this month.
It comes as Northern Ireland is learning dates for a faster re-opening .
It's expected from April 23rd hairdressers and beauty salons will open with all retail back on the 30th.
Outdoor dining and drinking, as well as gyms, are expected to return from May 10th.
It raises problems for the government here with the risk of people crossing the border to access those services.
