The popular secondary school in the town centre was founded in 1861 by the Sisters of Mercy and today educates hundreds of students from across the region.

Longford County Council planners granted permission for the development with 12 conditions attached.

Fianna Fáil TD Joe Flaherty says the Government is losing the support of the people when it comes to accepting Ukrainian refugees.

The owner of the property has now withdrawn it from the agreement to house Ukrainian refugees.

The news was confirmed at a Longford County Council meeting this evening.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at a former convent in Lanesboro at around 9 o'clock last night.

It's believed the incident was quickly brought under control, with the building reported to be undamaged.

The planned demolition will include the boiler house, turbine house, bag filter house and associated 80-metre high stack among other structures.