The restrictions were initially going to apply to towns with a population of over 10,000 - but that's now been increased to 20,000.

The area was closed off by gardai for around 24 hours after two men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were seriously injured in assaults.

The incident occurred at a premises on Seán Costello Street last Sunday morning, February 8th sometime between 10:30am and 11:30am.

At this month's meeting of Carrick Municipal District, Enda Stenson tabled a motion requesting that the council deploy its road patching unit as soon as possible to carry out urgent repairs across rural areas.

The court heard he initially said most of the money was his mother-in-law's - and the rest was a deposit for a gravestone.

Patrick Cassidy, of Dromard, Moyne, made the plea at Longford Circuit Court this afternoon.

Elgin Energy Services looked for planning permission for the energy project just off the Boyle Road.

A local councillor says armed gardai are needed to prevent a reprisal.