Locals protest downgrading of local services in Dublin and Clare

Protest rallies are planned in Dublin and Clare today, in opposition to the downgrading of local transport and health services.

In Dublin, a petition has been signed by 2,000 people in opposition to plans by Dublin Bus to downgrade services to the northside. A protest rally will take place this afternoon.

Meanwhile in Clare, locals will highlight their anger at the downgrading of services at Ennis General Hospital with a protest later today.

The HSE plans to move the hospital's high-dependency unit moving to the Midwestern Regional Hospital in Limerick from March 1.

All 12 election candidates for the Clare constituency have been invited to attend the protest.