It now leaves Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Independent Catherine Connolly as the only candidates left in the running.

Longford County Council granted the application after changes were made following initial concerns from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

An announced inspection of St Teresa's Services was carried out in July, the details of which have been published this week.

The national target is to respond in 75 per cent of cases of life-threatening cardiac or respiratory arrest in just under 19 minutes.

Director of the National Ambulance Service Robert Morton says the county has been earmarked for the role in 2026.

Fenagh Childcare Limited has been granted planning permission for the facility in Commons in Fenagh.

An Post says that there is very strong interest in securing the new contract at the end of January.

The 87-year-old was found dead outside his house in Rooskey in January 2020, with his body bruised and bloodied.