The ranking is disappointing for the Roscommon and Longford areas, which only last year had improved to 16th and 25th positions respectively.

The Coast Guard's 118 Rescue helicopter, based at Strandhill in Sligo, was dispatched to the scene.

The plans include antennae, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment.

Plans are in motion to fully digitise the system.

Visiting to the affected wards is limited to compassionate grounds only, with arrangements needed in advance with the ward nurse manager.

The Irish autism charity in association with Coillte have chosen Lough Key Forest Park as this year's venue.

Stars of country music, which include Brendan Jermyn, Mike Denver, and Jimmy Buckley, only to name a few, will be performing at the event.

The incident was raised in the Seanad by Fine Gael Senator Barry Ward.