The trade union representing paramedics who are set to go on strike admits their plan will affect the service to the public.
SIPTU members are to embark on industrial action next month, as part of a row over their terms and conditions – they say there are up to 12 unfilled positions in Clare's ambulance service.
Members are due to take part in an all out on August 10th after 92 per cent of members backed strike action.
They say they have no option but to strike over loss of earnings, the National Ambulance Service's failure to provide additional staff and a change to their working hour arrangements.
It comes amid a background of incidents which have highlighted gaps in the local ambulance service over recent months and years.
A meeting is taking place between union representatives and National Ambulance Service management tomorrow and paramedics say positive engagement could result in the strike being called off.
Sixmilebridge Councillor PJ Ryan is a member of the HSE's Regional Health Forum West and he says it's imperative that happens.
Elsewhere, problems within the region's health service are continuing to be highlighted today.
University Hospital Limerick is the most overcrowded in the country once again with 38 people waiting for beds, 16 of those in the emergency department.
It comes as new figures from the INMO show over 500 people still found themselves waiting for admission there in June, one of the highest numbers of any hospital in Ireland.
