Health chiefs are set to advise commuters and shoppers to wear homemade facemasks later this week.
Dr Holohan confirmed that the public would be urged to wear face coverings in certain public settings, such as in shops or on public transport, as the country began to ease restrictions.
John Molloy owns Azzurri Sport in Waterford and has turned his factory over to making protective gear for health workers.
He says he is expecting to receive official guidance on how to make a reusable mask for use by the general public very soon.
"There is a committee working at the moment chaired by the National Standards Authority of Ireland and they are developing a face mask specification.
"It is a guideline for use by the general public. It will be called Swift 19 Barrier Mask.
"People are actively working on it all week. I believe that they hope to have it launched by the end of this week or early next week."
A public health expert says wearing face masks is sensible in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Gabriel Scally believes face masks will help.
