A total of 68 towns nationally will be supported with €10,000 in funding per town.

OPW Minister Kieran O'Donnell has indicated a permanent solution to the Lough Funshinagh crisis, involving an overflow pipe, won't be in place until next year.

Locals had planned to march on Sunday calling for extra supports ahead of the arrival of International Protection applicants.

Up to 18 modular homes were delivered to Coole Village at 4am with HGVs blocking a local road in the area for several hours.

A man in his 60s was working on a closed section of the Athlone road leading into the town when he was struck by a works vehicle after 7 o'clock yesterday evening.

The 52-year-old made a false statement to Gardaí that his cattle were missing when they were actually in his neighbour's shed.

The Athlone Road entering the town is currently closed and is expected to remain so over night.

A status yellow thunderstorm alert is currently in place for Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Roscommon.