A protest is taking place outside the Dáil over the downgrading of hospital services in the Monaghan region.

The Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil had to be protected by Gardaí in Monaghan today at the official opening of the new Monaghan town bypass.

Thousands of people are expected to attend a protest in Monaghan this morning against the planned downgrading of the local hospital.