Hundreds of Roscommon protesters halt traffic

Up to 600 people have manned the bridges across the River Shannon in Roscommon in protest at the closure of the county Hospital's A&E unit.

Campaigners are staging pickets at Tarmonbarry, Rooskey, Ballyleague and Athlone for two hours to coincide with rush-hour weekend traffic.

Earlier Taoiseach Enda Kenny insisted the closure will come into effect on Monday.

Around 100 people took to the bridge in Tarmonbarry on the Main N5 West to Mayo.

Protesters are carrying signs saying "See you in Hell Enda" and "End-a road for FG".