Nolan confirms increased ambulance service investment for Offaly

Investment approval has been agreed for an additional Emergency Ambulance that will provide 24/7 cover for Offaly as part of the Dublin Midlands Region, local Independent TD Carol Nolan confirmed this week.

Deputy Nolan has also received conformation that recruitment has commenced to select candidates to commence an MS. In Specialist Paramedic Practice (Community) with a view to future deployment to Birr.

Welcoming the news the Independent TD said the investment was a long overdue step in the right direction for a service that is operating under increased pressure and population growth challenges:

“For the last number of years, I have strongly advocated with Government and the NAS on the need for increased investment in our critical ambulance services. That is why I warmly welcome the confirmation I received today from the NAS Director with respect to the midlands and Birr.

“Indeed, I have worked on this issue since 2022 following information provided to me which showed that in almost every month there was a failure to respond to Delta (life-threatening illness or injury, other than cardiac or respiratory arrest) emergency calls within the average target time for response of 19 minutes.

“I will continue my constructive engagement with the National Ambulance Service where I will also continue to emphasise the need for a renewed focus on supporting schemes that ensure greater numbers of people can act as community first responders,” Deputy Nolan said.