The outgoing Roscommon-Galway TD, first elected in 1997, announced his decision not to contest the General Election last year.

The Apple tax money is set to be spent on housing, water and electricity services.

The broadcaster and former agriculture minister made the prediction at a live show in Dublin last night, called Path to Power.

In a letter to Independent TD Denis Naughten, Simon Harris says various state agencies are working hard to ensure an interim solution is in place before the winter.

There has been much speculation recently that the election will be called shortly after the delivery of the Budget.

Oireachtas members, local councillors and other stakeholders raised their concerns at the meeting in the Hodson Bay Hotel.