Between January 5th 2023 and this year, just under 100,000 NCT inspections were carried out in centres across the region.

The figures are up from 1,945 for 2022.

The eight family places are expected to be made available by the end of next year and follows the establishment of a new Government agency called Cuan.

Roscommon had the highest number of road deaths in the region.

The last ten years have recorded the highest number of women killed in decades.

As families spend time at home over the holiday period, BirdWatch Ireland is asking people to spend a short amount of time each week watching their garden birds and recording what they see.

With a large consumption of food and the accumulation of compost waste expected, families are urged to be mindful with their outdoor rubbish as rats look for food.

Since 2013, €1.7 million has been donated through the annual appeal, with almost €8000 raised in total across counties Longford, Westmeath and Leitrim.