Minister Jim O'Callaghan was speaking at the opening of the Garda Water Unit in Athlone on Friday.

Dromod councillor Sean McGowan says constituents are complaining about long delays in getting properties registered in their name.

Deputy Seán Canney confirmed works will begin within the next 18 months, as part of the National Development Plan.

It's part of €192,000 in redirected funds which were seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau.

Farmers are bringing in their flocks to protect them from bird flu, but the new rules don't take effect until Monday.

It says it's on track to screen over 170 thousand women this year - the highest number in its history.

The Water Unit was established in 1964 and currently consists of two operational teams based in Athlone and Santry in Co. Dublin.

Last month Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly asked the Serious Crime Review Team to investigate the case.