As of Tuesday, December 30th, a total of 2,321 new respiratory illness cases were reported over the past week.

While they expected and planned for a surge in hospitalisations at this time, the numbers so far are at the upper end of what they had predicted, a spokesperson said.

The HSE said the situation was 'quite stark' in the past week alone for the age 75 and over category.

Close to 370 people were hospitalised by the illness last week.