The Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn says if the restrictions in Kildare can be lifted earlier than planned, they will be.
The local lockdown there is not due to expire until Sunday September 6th.
The Dáil's Special Committee on COVID-19 Response has heard that the situation in Kildare has improved in recent days, with five cases confirmed in the county on Tuesday.
Dr Glynn also acknowledged that the continued pause on the final phase to re-open the country has been disappointing.
"I am fully aware of how disappointing and frustrating recent events have been.
"As a country, we have demonstrated so much resilience, solidarity and resolve throughout this pandemic.
"We set aside our plans and put our lives on hold for many months to suppress this virus.
"And, as a society, we did that incredibly effectively.
"While we have taken a step backwards, this is not irreversible.
"With the continued support and collective effort of people in Ireland, we can stop the rise in cases and protect what must be our three priorities over the coming months".
He said these were the protection of the most vulnerable in our society, the resumption of healthcare services and the return to education for children.
Dr Glynn said: "This is a marathon and I know people are tired. I want to acknowledge the enormous, and ongoing, effort and sacrifice by people in Ireland to help protect each other during this pandemic and to ask them to continue to stay the course with us."
And he said NPHET wants Kildare to be re-aligned with the rest of the country.
"If a point comes where we feel we can lift them we certainly will lift them.
"We're fully cognizant of the impact of these measures.
"What we really want to do is get Kildare back aligned with the rest of the country - so we have one set of measures for the country as a whole, with one set of messages that everyone can adhere to nationally with a common set of aims and objectives.
"So as soon as we can we will".
Additional reporting: Kacey O'Rioirdan
