The National Public Health Emergency Team has given the green light for almost all restrictions to be lifted.

The health officials have issued a letter to Government after a lengthy meeting earlier today.

The letter states that the 8pm curfew can be lifted and nightclubs can open whenever the Government see fit. It also paves the way for the end of COVID certs.

It is believed the only rules NPHET is recommending should be kept in place are the use of facemasks in certain settings and the requirement to self-isolate when symptomatic.

Covid passes for travel, some special guidance for schools and the test, trace and isolate system are also likely to remain.

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan at the Department of Health, 26-02-2020. Image: Brian Lawless/PA Archive/PA Images

Cabinet sources said this evening they'll act quickly, leaving the possibility nightclubs could re-open on Saturday.

Monday is another date being discussed; however, there's a belief it will be impossible to police a curfew this weekend now the contents of the NPHET letter are public knowledge.

🚨 NPHET has cleared the way for the easing of almost all Covid restrictions including the hospitality curfew, Covid passes and capacity on live events. Timeline being left up to Cabinet, which meets tomorrow

— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) January 20, 2022

In a statement this evening, the Licenced Vintners Association (LVA) said the news, “has been eagerly awaited by the entire hospitality and late-night sectors for a long, long time”.

LVA Chief Donall O’Keeffe called on the Government to move swiftly with “no delays to the full reopening and the scrapping of hospitality restrictions”.

“Hospitality is ready and waiting to open our doors this weekend,” he said. “If the Government gives the green light then the recovery of the hospitality and nighttime sectors could begin as early as Friday night.”

Government sources saying they won’t hang about to implement NPHET advice. A number of steps to go through but bars, restaurants and nightclubs could return to normal opening hours over the weekend. Cabinet meeting tomorrow

— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) January 20, 2022

The Vintners Federation of Ireland CEO Padraig Cribben said: "After almost two years of lockdowns and closures our members are ready to fully open from Friday.”

“There's no need to wait any longer, all restrictions should be removed this weekend.

“NPHET has no objection to a full reopening of pubs, so we need to go for it now. Northern Ireland is fully reopening over the coming days so it’s important we make the same decision.

“While it will take considerable time for the hospitality sector to fully recover from the past two years, this weekend marks a new beginning for the trade.”

This morning, there were 896 patients in COVID in hospital – down 14 on yesterday and 115 on this day last week.

There were 90 in intensive care, which is the same as yesterday and two fewer than last week.

Government party leaders will meet tomorrow morning ahead of a full Cabinet meeting. The Taoiseach is set to address the nation shortly afterward.

Reporting from Sean Defoe and Michael Staines.