Wastewater in four local locations is to be tested to monitor the prevalence of Covid-19 in communities across the country.
A number of agencies, including the HSE, Health Protection Surveillance Centre and Irish Water, will work together on the project, which it's hoped will allow for early detection of Covid outbreaks.
Testing will take place at 68 treatment plants across the country, with four in the Northern Sound region.
It follows a pilot scheme last year which showed a close correlation between genetic material linked to Covid-19 and the number of cases recorded in an area.
In Cavan, wastewater in Virginia and Cavan town will be tested.
The Carrickmacross and Monaghan town plants are also included.
The HSE says testing will begin early this month.
