Retailers 'Optimistic' As Click & Collect Services Reopen Monday

Shopping-by-appointment will also be allowed - with people queuing on-line for hours to get a slot in Penneys

Next week will see inter-county travel allowed, barbers and hairdressers re-opening and 50 people able to attend weddings and funerals.

On May 17th, shops will be allowed to reopen fully.

Managing Director of Retail Excellence Ireland Duncan Graham says business owners are excited:

"Five months of being shut has clearly taken its toll. But, we've got that behind us now. Next week is a soft opening if you like: click and collect and appointment shopping being reintroduced, along with outdoor retail, which gives us an opportunity to start the ball rolling. Then of course, the hard opening is on the 17th of May."