Several Community Welfare Service Clinics across Westmeath and the Midlands are to close as part of a “restructuring” of services.
Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, confirmed that clinics in Glasson, Brideswell, Athleague, Finea, Streete, and Ballynacargy are to be closed as of Monday August 12.
These clinics have been identified as smaller clinics where the level of demand for a service is low, and which are within reasonable distance of an alternative clinic.
According to a spokesperson for the Department, if a customer cannot travel to that clinic, he or she can avail of the service by phone, post, or a member of staff can, in exceptional circumstances, make a house call.
The decision was taken to ensure that “efficient and effective services are provided at local level”, and to make the best use of available resources in the Midlands North division.
Customers from Brideswell and Glasson will be able to avail of the clinic in Athlone, while Finea customers can use clinics in Granard or Longford. Those in Streete can use clinics in Edgeworthstown, while those in Ballynacargy can use the clinic in Mullingar, Ballymahon, or Colehill.
Other clinics in the region to close include Loughlynn, Ballyleague in Roscommon; Ballinalee and Keenagh in Longford; and Smear, Co Leitrim.
Notices will be displayed at each Community Welfare Clinic, local DSP offices, MABS Offices, CICs, and health centres from next week, with details of other available clinics and contact telephone numbers.
