More than 600 patients waiting on trolleys with 101 in Limerick

The stark figures followed a count of 626 the day before as the HSE and health experts warn of the triple effects of flu, covid-19 and RSV

The INMO defended their approach to the trolley count in the wake of critical comments by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to RTÉ.

Some 605 patients are waiting on trolleys for a hospital bed on Wednesday as pressure on the health service continues, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

The stark figures followed a count of 626 on Monday and 574 on Tuesday as the HSE and health experts warn of the triple effects of flu, covid-19 and RSV.