Tánaiste Micheal Martin is visiting Kilkenny this lunchtime

An Tánaiste, Micheal Martin, has arrived in Kilkenny this lunchtime for a ministerial review of soldiers in the 123rd Battalion who are set to depart for the Lebanon in the coming weeks as part of the ongoing peacekeeping mission in the country.

The ceremony began at midday in Kilkenny Castle with local representatives joining Mr Martin, invited guests and Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Sean Clancy, in attendance.

A parade through the city will follow with rolling street closures due to be in place for a period.