The application was the subject of 80 submissions by local residents who were heavily opposed to the development.

Gardaí were called to the scene and ordered those involved to leave the premises, which they did after a period of non cooperation.

22 patients are currently waiting to be admitted.

The statement follows a number of messages circulating in the community claiming water supplies in the county had been contaminated.

There are at least 416 vacant teaching jobs in secondary schools across the country.

Cathoirleach of Longford Municipal District, Martin Monaghan, says that local Gardaí and Fire Services crews didn't hesitate dealing with the issue.

According to Gardaí, emergency services responded to the calls regarding suspicious devices at the busy retail buildings.

The Bistro has been closed today but is reopening this afternoon to host a support service for Kateryna.