Barbara Keogh Dunne has previously held senior roles at Beaumont Hospital and was General Manager of Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown.

Cllr Peggy Nolan was reacting to the HSE's announcement yesterday that there's currently no decision to remove Regional Hospital Mullingar clinics.

However, it's being reported today that the coalition is now considering not implementing the measure until the middle of next year to reduce the immediate cost.

Roscommon County Planners granted planning permission with 15 conditions attached.

It comes as the Longford Family Resource Centre steering committee launched its Needs Assessment Report yesterday.

Saj Hussain is a community activist in Ballaghaderreen, where he also runs a barber shop.

The clinic acts on a GP referral basis and for follow-up appointments for patients who've been treated in Mullingar.

The presentation stressed the impact these centres can have on local families, who have described the support as a 'lighthouse on stormy waters.'