Members of the public advised to avoid travelling to the fire.

The leisure centre in the Abbeyfield Hotel refugee centre was on the brink of reopening earlier this year, however a deal collapsed with the owners.

It's believed the fire may have started shortly before lunchtime this afternoon and motorists are advised to exercise caution in the area.

Several Shannonside projects feature including the construction of a rehabilitation unit and a replacement adult mental health unit at Roscommon University Hospital.

The news was confirmed this week that the property has been fully acquired for use following a long battle for the service.

The west Roscommon station closed eight years ago, but last week Fianna Fáil TD Martin Daly said it urgently needs to reopen.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill also announced plans for national projects such as the new Children's Hospital and National Maternity Hospital this morning.

The Midlands North West MEP says he hopes to return home at the weekend and will continue to carry out his duties as an MEP.