The 52km section of the N4 passes through or close to several towns and villages including Ballinalack, Rathowen, Edgeworthstown, Longford and Newtownforbes.

Over the past week Sligo University Hospital and the Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar have imposed visitor restrictions due to a rise in Covid-19 cases.

The hospital says visiting on critical and compassionate grounds will continue to be accommodated.

They expressed disappointment at long waiting times at the department, ranging from 7 to 10 hours per patient.

Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe currently has 21 people waiting for a bed.

In a letter sent to the station, she expressed her disappointment at the extremely long waiting times at the department.

Meanwhile, University Hospital Galway has 57 people waiting on trolleys today.

According to the Irish Independent the plans include prefab units for 200 people at a former military barracks in Mullingar and space for 400 at a site in Athlone.