West Wicklow town to get new 24/7 ambulance service
The Wicklow PeopleA new service that allows for 24/7 ambulance cover will be introduced to the Baltinglass area later this year.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed the move following pressure for improved services in the region, with the new addition of round the clock care closing the long running gap in emergency care.
The development follows the recent establishment of a 24/7 ambulance service in Arklow.
Currently, Baltinglass lacks ambulance coverage every Monday from 7am to 7pm.
While welcoming the progress in Arklow, Social Democrats TD for Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore expressed concern that Baltinglass had not yet received the same level of service.
“We’ve seen promises made before that didn’t materialise. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this to make sure the ambulances are staffed, the coverage is consistent, and the people of Baltinglass get the emergency care they’ve long been waiting for.”
Deputy Whitmore raised the issue in the Dáil in both 2023 and 2024 and has submitted multiple parliamentary questions to monitor progress and hold the HSE and Department of Health to account.
“I’ve been raising this issue for years because it’s not just about service delivery, it’s about safety. People in rural areas deserve the same level of emergency care as those in urban centres.
“The lack of 24/7 ambulance cover has been a glaring gap in our health system, and I’m glad to see it finally being addressed,” Deputy Whitmore added.
The gaps in service stem from a decision in 2012 by the HSE to alter overtime operation requirements, moving from eight-hour to 12-hour shifts without increasing staff numbers.
This left gaps in coverage, which were exacerbated by the closure of Wicklow Hospital, limiting the services it could provide.