Fifty-six-year-old Tim Gilchrist Junior of Mavis Bank, Newrath, Waterford, pleaded guilty at a sitting of Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday.

He will be sentenced on Thursday.

The removal of an existing telecommunications rooftop support structure is also proposed.

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

Newly elected councillor and Granard postmaster Pádraig McNamara says the issue has been raised numerous times by residents in recent weeks.

Lanesborough-based photographer, Lee Williamson, took the photo when he was strolling along the banks of Lough Ree.

42 incidents of sexual assault in mental health centres were registered last year nationally, making up 44% of all Serious Reportable Incidents last year.

There are reports that traffic has been reduced to one lane in the area and motorists are advised to exercise caution.