Fianna Fáil Leader Rules out Re-Opening 24-Hour A&E In Ennis

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The Fianna Fáil leader has ruled out re-opening the Accident and Emergency Department at Ennis General Hospital, if his party gains control of the Government after the next General Election.

Micheál Martin, who’s visiting Clare today as part of his leader’s tour, has decribed the persistent levels of overcrwoding at University Hospital as Limerick as “shocking”, but he doesn’t believe an 24-hour A&E here is the answer.

He’s also called for further investment in Shannon Airport, as Clare FM’s Gavin Grace reports:

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Micheál Martin is in Clare today, with engagements in Ennis, Shannon and Sixmilebridge.

Beginning his visit with a wide-raging interview on Clare FM’s Morning Focus, he’s spoken on a number of issues including the budget, Brexit, Shannon Airport and the health service.

The Fianna Fáil leader has described the chronic levels of overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick as “shocking”, saying increased capacity should have been delivered by now, as promised.

But – like Taoiseach Leo Varadkar before him – he’s dismissed suggestions of re-opening the A&E at Ennis General Hospital, saying he doesn’t think it’s possible in the short-term.

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On Shannon Airport, Micheál Martin said he believes the Government appears to have absolved itself of providing any capital investment for the midwest facility since independence.

He thinks there’s a real issue around marketing and predominance of Dublin Airport asnd says the notion of subventing the airport may have to be looked at.