The former Independent TD made an emotional address at tonight's selection convention to fill his late brother John's seat on Roscommon County Council.

The Drum man died last October after over 20 years as a Fine Gael councillor.

The Department of Integration is considering accommodating international-protection applicants in the Leitrim Marina Hotel.

It will have 12 single bedrooms, rooms for outpatient day services, and an 11-space car park.

The Social Democrats put forward a motion yesterday to address the housing crisis, including closing 'legal tax loopholes' that benefit some property investors.

Areas affected include Newtowngore and Mohill in Co Leitrim; Drumlish, Ardagh and Ballymahon in Co Longford; Athlone; and Mantua, near Elphin, in Co Roscommon.

10 per cent of all forestry in Leitrim was knocked down in the storm - but landowners still need felling licences to clear the timber.

Frank Feighan says the issue is badly impacting on elderly and infirm people.