According to the association, individuals who are not affiliated with the IWA have been spotted with clipboards and selling lines.

Jonathan Moran, from Tower View in Mullingar, was jailed for eight years yesterday and his victim, Bláthnaid Raleigh, waived her anonymity so he could be named.

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.