Simonstown's GAA facilities have been chosen as the main vaccination site for residents of Meath, the Department of Health has confirmed.

Simonstown will be one of the 37 central Covid-19 vaccination sites being rolled out across the country and the only one of its kind in this county.

Vaccines will continue to be administered in GP practices and pharmacies but it is envisaged that the vast majority of the population in Meath will receive their vaccines in Simonstown's main hall, an effort that is expected to continue for a period of months.

Simonstown is one of four GAA centres that will be in use across the country, along with Pairc Ui Chaoimh and Mallow GAA club in Cork and Longford Slashers in Longford.

The indoor facilities are currently closed for GAA activity and are expected to remain closed, at the direction of Croke Park, for the foreseeable future.

Simonstown chairman Mel O'Rourke said the club was delighted to place the facilities at the disposal of the Health Service Executive for such an important national effort and paid tribute to healthcare workers and frontline staff for their ongoing commitment to the battle to suppress Covid-19.

In the past, Simonstown has been used extensively by the HSE for training, conferences and blood transfusions.

It has also been the centre for numerous local and national election counts.