Michael Lowry has said that the overflow area to cater for A&E patients at South Tipp General who would otherwise be on trolleys in corridors and on wards is being allocated €1.5 million by the government.

The overflow would cater for 11 patients.  Speaking to Tipp Mid West today Deputy Lowry said that he expects it to be up and running by May of this year.

He also said this morning that 103 people have been referred to the Community Intervention Team in Cashel which was designed to cater for people who could recuperate at home instead of in hospital.

Mr Lowry was speaking on a day when South Tipp General had the highest number of people on trolley in the country, at 32.  Overall, there were 466 people awaiting beds nationally.

Also speaking on the matter this morning, FF TD Jackie Cahill said that in his view change needs to begin at GP level, adding that more resources need to be given to GPs to help ease the pressure on the overall system.  He also said that the Confidence and Supply Agreement his party has with Fine Gael will not last another winter like 2016/17.

Tipp gardai are seeking the public’s help in tracing the whereabouts of a car involved in a collision in Kilshane yesterday but which immediately left the scene.

The incident happened at 3.30 yesterday afternoon.

Two other cars were damaged during the collision but the offending car did not remain at the location.

Gardai say the car, which is described as being a small dark coloured saloon, took off in the direction of Bansha.

Anyone with information can contact Tipperary town garda station.