Ambulance cover to be introduced for area on the Kildare border

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, has welcomed confirmation that 24/7 ambulance cover will be introduced for Baltinglass on the Kildare / Wicklow border later this year, a move she says is long overdue and the result of sustained pressure on the Government.

This follows the recent announcement that a 24/7 ambulance service is now operational in Arklow,  another issue Deputy Whitmore has campaigned on for several years. While she welcomes the progress in Arklow, Deputy Whitmore expressed concern that Baltinglass had not yet received the same level of service. She has continued to raise the matter to ensure that the community in West Wicklow is not left behind and receives equitable emergency care.

“This is a hugely important development for the community in West Wicklow. It’s something I’ve been pushing for consistently, and I’m glad to see it moving forward,” Deputy Whitmore explained.

Deputy Whitmore has 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 stated.

While welcoming the announcement, Deputy Whitmore said she will continue to monitor the rollout closely to ensure the service is fully resourced and operational without delay.

“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 concluded.

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