Local TD continues to call for Renal Dialysis services in Longford

LONGFORD TD Micheál Carrigy is continuing to call for Renal Dialysis services in Longford.

Deputy Carrigy recently spoke in the Dáil on the grim current landscape of healthcare services in Longford-Westmeath, particularly in Longford.

Deputy Carrigy commented:

“I recently highlighted that patients are travelling from Longford to Tullamore, and sometimes even to Portlaoise, for renal dialysis. That service could be provided in Longford, which is something for which we plan to campaign.”

“I have been campaigning for this service, along with my colleague Cllr Peggy Nolan. Longford deserves adequate healthcare that is provided within Longford.”

“Longford people and patients are expected to travel too far for too many services, this must change.”

Minister Kieran O’Donnell stated that for people living in Longford and Westmeath renal services are delivered through the wider Midlands and Dublin hospital networks, with dialysis care provided through regional renal units and satellite dialysis centres, supported by specialist nephrology teams.

Minister O’Donnell continued that these regional networks aim to support patients as close as home as possible while ensuring they have access to the specialist care they need.

Minister O’Donnell concluded that the Integrated Healthcare Area midlands is currently examining capacity and clinical governance towards improving networks of care. This will include the long-term options for further renal satellite opportunities taking account of patient population needs. This work is in its early stage.

Deputy Carrigy said: “I thank the Minister of State. I will highlight a couple of points, particularly in relation to renal services. He said the aim of those services is "to support patients as close to home as possible while ensuring they have access to the specialist care they need". I looked for figures on the costs to the HSE of the taxis being provided to take patients from Longford to Tullamore for renal services. Currently, two of the staff working in the renal dialysis unit actually live in Longford and have to travel to Tullamore to provide those services.”

Deputy Carrigy continued: “In 2025, there was a cost of €475,000 for taxis and from January to July of this year, the cost was €391,000. There is a ballpark cost heading for €500,000 each year to provide taxi services to bring people down to Longford, while there are staff based in Longford who are working in Tullamore. That service can be provided on St. Joseph's campus. I would like that to be considered seriously.”

“This service is needed in Longford and also the Midlands and its needed now,” concluded Deputy Carrigy.