Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
141. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health if a 24 hour rapid response vehicle will be introduced at Tuam ambulance base; if an analysis of calls to Tuam ambulance base will be undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28153/26]
View answerThe National Ambulance Service (NAS) operates out of 5 ambulance bases in Co. Galway including one located in Tuam. A sixth base in Recess is under construction and planned for completion in 2026.
NAS plans to recruit an additional 263 posts in 2026 provided for by a €20m investment. Additionally, the West and North-West health region will benefit from a new NAS Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) which will be established later this year. This service will increase HEMS capacity, and improve access for rural and isolated patients in the region to definitive care.
While I am informed by the NAS that there is currently no plan for a Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) for Tuam in 2026, demands across all ambulance bases and health regions are continuously monitored and assessed to inform future decision making around resourcing and National Service Plans.
I am advised by the HSE that existing RRVs operating out of the Merlin Park base in Galway, as well as from Recess and Roscommon, are deployed to incidents across the HSE West and North-West region, including Tuam.
