Retailers have started to announce they will be selling cheaper antigen tests.
It comes as a Government subsidy for the 15-minute tests is long-awaited and has faced delays.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly was due to bring a memo to Cabinet earlier this week, but the plans were pushed back as talks with retailers continue.
NPHET has been reluctant to encourage the use of antigen tests, fearing the public would not use them properly.
It's consistent advice has been to not use them if you have symptoms of Covid-19 and instead present for a PCR test.
Supermarket chain Lidl announced it will be selling individual tests for €2.99 from tomorrow.
It notes the tests are approved for use in Ireland and the EU.
Lidl CEO JP Scally said making the tests "affordable and accessible for everyone is the right thing to do".
Meanwhile, pharmacy group McCauley is also cutting antigen test prices.
A single test will cost €5, while a five-pack has been reduced from €24 to €15.
Tony McEntee, Chief Executive of McCauley, said the rapid tests can "complement existing measures and can provide added reassurance as society continues to reopen, provided that they are used in accordance with public health advice".
Health officials have encouraged anyone engaged in 'high-risk' activities - such as going to restaurants, bars, nightclubs and cinemas - to use rapid tests twice a week.
However, they've also repeatedly warned a negative result should not be used as a green light for anyone with symptoms to stop isolating.
