Concerns over ambulance response times in Connemara were raised at Tuesday’s HSE Western Regional Health Forum, prompting calls from local representatives for expanded services in rural Galway.
At this week’s HSE Western Regional Health Forum, Cllr Eileen Mannion voiced strong concerns about the adequacy of ambulance services in Connemara, highlighting persistent delays in response times and a lack of clarity around future service improvements.
Referencing a recent incident involving a young boy injured during a sporting event who waited an extended period for an ambulance, Cllr Mannion questioned whether planned infrastructure developments would meaningfully improve emergency response in the region. “Even when the base in Recess becomes operational, we won’t be getting any additional ambulance crews just moving the existing team from Clifden,” she said. “So, if we’re already having difficulties, that’s a serious concern.”
Her comments followed confirmation from Chief Ambulance Officer JJ McGowan that enhanced services, including an Emergency Ambulance and Rapid Response Vehicle, have been in place since December 2020. These services, though earmarked for Recess, are currently operating out of Clifden due to ongoing delays with planning and securing suitable facilities.
Cllr Mannion, however, emphasised that the presence of these services has not resolved response time issues. “It’s great that they’re there, but the difficulties persist.”
Data given in response to Cllr Donagh Killilea's query regarding ambulance response times in areas in Connemara revealed that for the HSE West and North-West region, which includes County Galway, shows that only 45 per cent of life-threatening “Red” emergency calls were responded to within 19 minutes in March 2025. For 'Purple' cardiac or respiratory arrest calls, response times reached 69 per cent.
"This is just another battle we will have to fight," said Cllr Mannion.
