Tuam Rapid Response Vehicle to be considered for 2026

THE HSE are considering implementing a 24-hour rapid response vehicle at the Tuam Ambulance Base as early as next year.

Speaking in the Dáil last week the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, confirmed that they were not able to consider this service in 2025, but a rapid response vehicle for Tuam would be considered as part of their national service planning process for 2026.

Her comments came following a parliamentary question from Galway East TD Louis O’Hara, who had been contacted by constituents who work in the ambulance service locally, requesting his help in getting a new rapid response vehicle.

“These workers are telling me that they're under pressure. They're dealing with a very high volume of calls, and they need more cover,” explained Deputy O’Hara.

“The crews in Tuam cover a vast area across North and East Galway and South Mayo. I believe there is a very strong case to be made here on the basis of patient safety ensuring better outcomes for people ultimately saving lives.

“I welcome your comments that this will be examined as part of the process for next year. We will wait to see what comes out of that and I hope it's a positive outcome,” he concluded.

Patient demand for ambulance services continues to rise year-on-year nationally, as well as in the HSE West North-West region, which includes Tuam.

In 2024 there were nearly 430,000 urgent and emergency calls received from the public. This represents an eight per cent increase nationally on the previous year. Urgent and emergency calls received by the National Ambulance Service have risen by a further six per cent to date in 2025.

There are currently two existing 24-7 Rapid Response Vehicles operating out of the Merlin Park base in Galway, as well as from Recess and County Roscommon on a dynamic deployment basis.