Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe confirmed last week the Government has no plans to reduce the current rate of 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent.

Gardaí attended the scene overnight and investigations are ongoing.

The Chamber president is calling for the route to be re-opened to pedestrians as soon as possible.

Fire services attended the scene and residents from neighbouring apartment blocks were evacuated safely.

The application will be decided on at an upcoming meeting of Longford Municipal District.

Three councillors, 2 in Longford Town and one in Granard are not seeking re-election leaving close to 30 potential new representatives on the board.

According to the Department of Integration, the B&B will host 24 people consisting of families seeking International Protection.

With St Patrick's Day just around the corner, here is all you need to know about how our locality will be celebrating Ireland's patron saint!