The government will issue advice on face masks later this week.
It's expected people will be asked to wear them in public places where social distancing is difficult.
John Molloy owns Azzurri Sport in Waterford, and has turned his factory over to making protective gear for health workers.
He says says Irish authorities have been looking to French and Spanish specifications of masks.
"These specifications are based on filtration performance and breathability.
"What we're trying to achieve is a good balance between protection and comfort in a mask, just to give a good guidance to both manufacturers and the public as to what can be an alternative to a medical and PPE mask which is obviously in short supply at the moment."
