Major disruption to train services in the Midlands this morning has been attributed to a protest in Athlone.

A man is holding a demonstration on a rail bridge that crosses the Shannon against cuts to Roscommon Hospital's A&E department.

A garda negotiating team is en route to the scene.

The Roscommon Hospital Action Committee said the incident is not connected to its campaign and it has not sanctioned any activity on the bridge.

Bus transfers are in operation between Athlone and Ballinasloe on the Galway line and between Athlone and Roscommon on the Westport bound line.