On a Tuesday afternoon visit to Athlone, both Fianna Fáil party leader, Micheal Martin and Deputy Robert Troy, who is seeking to retain his Longford/Westmeath constituency seat, met with South Westmeath Hospice committee members following news this week that local HSE management had failed to meet with the volunteer organisation to discuss the future of the palliative care facility.
Noting his support for the stance adopted by the South Westmeath Hospice Action committee, Deputy Troy stated that any future relocation of the Hospice must be on a "like for like" basis.
"We will not accept a downgraded facility for patients and their families. The facility that currently is in use was provided for by the hard work and fundraising of a voluntary committee and they have our full commitment," Deputy Troy emphasised.
During his time in Athlone, the Fianna Fáil leader met with constituents in the locality during which issues pertaining to the Defence Forces and the pension age were broached and addressed.