HSE boss told that Swords ambulance service can and must be retained

Date: 16/12/2010
Posted by: Darragh

I have told the chief executive of the HSE that the Dublin Fire Brigade Ambulance Service in Swords can and must be retained for the safety of the growing population.

Senior officials from the HSE, including its chief executive officer Cathal Magee, today attended a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee. I took the opportunity to raise the important issue of the retention of the fire brigade ambulance service in Swords. I have been heavily involved in the campaign to have this very important service protected for the residents of the area, which as we all know is growing in population.

I expressed to Mr. Magee my concerns about the service and the need for the HSE to prioritise frontline services. I am very firmly of the view that the HSE has the funding to secure this service and it should be retained.

Following my contribution Mr. Magee gave me his assurance that he would look into this matter and come back to me on the issue shortly. In my view this issue can be resolved between the HSE and Dublin City Council if there is the will there to reach an agreement.

I have given a commitment to my constituents to work as hard as I can to ensure this service is retained for the community and I am determined to continue to do that.

On average this crucial service responds to 4,500 calls per year in Swords, Malahide and surrounding areas. I have received many representations from constituents on this issue and I have also met the crew in the fire station on a number of occasions and remain in contact with them on a regular basis.

This service is important for people of Swords, Malahide and surrounding communities. I think it was important to raise it directly with the chief executive of the HSE and I look forward to hearing from Mr. Magee very shortly.