'This issue needs to be resolved': Ophthalmology services must return to Mullingar Hospital, says Longford TD
Over 1,000 people in Longford-Westmeath are waiting for an ophthalmology appointment, with an average wait time of 12 to 15 months
LONGFORD TD Micheál Carrigy spoke in the Dáil regarding the issues being experienced in Longford in terms of healthcare, one such issue was the ophthalmology services, which are currently provided in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin due to an unfilled post in Mullingar.
Deputy Carrigy explained:
“In ophthalmology, there is a recurring issue, which I have raised here regularly, whereby patients must go to the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin. Currently, more than 1,000 people in Longford-Westmeath are waiting for an ophthalmology appointment, with an average wait time of 12 to 15 months. My constituents have long commutes to get to the services.”
Minister Kieran O’Donnell commented: “The provision of ophthalmology services is organised on a regional basis to ensure patients have access to appropriate specialist expertise, diagnostic facilities and treatment pathways. Since March 2026, a locum community ophthalmic physician is providing clinics in Mullingar and Longford and delivering care for both adult and paediatric patients.
“In addition, Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar is going through the process of approval to permanently fill the relevant post. Patients may still be required to travel to the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin depending on the patient's presenting condition and the type of clinical assessment required. The HSE reports that in the Dublin and Midlands region, most patients are seen within 15 weeks and 90% of all patients are seen within 39 weeks.”
Deputy Carrigy continued: “On ophthalmology, it is stated that the regional hospital is going through a process of approval to permanently fill a post. We are short of staff to provide ophthalmology services, yet we are waiting for a post to be approved and advertised.”
Minister O’Donnell concluded: “The Deputy made reference to ophthalmology. A locum community ophthalmic physician is providing clinics in Mullingar and delivering care for both adult and paediatric patients. In addition, Regional Hospital Mullingar is going through the process of approval to permanently fill this post. All the relevant and important points the Deputy makes in respect of the delivery of health services in Longford-Westmeath are valid.
“The Minister for Health recognises the concerns raised by the Deputy and remains committed to working with the HSE to address vacancies, build sustainable capacity and improve co-ordination across hospital and community services. The Government will continue to build on the progress made in Tullamore and Mullingar with a clear focus on ensuring that investment delivers meaningful, lasting improvements for patients throughout Longford and Westmeath. I will bring the points raised by the Deputy back to the Minister.”
This was in response to Deputy Carrigy raising a range of healthcare issues being experienced in Longford-Westmeath including ophthalmology, occupational therapy, disability, urology, dental, renal and mental health services and, most recently, the closure of the diabetes clinic in Mullingar.
Deputy Carrigy concluded: “Longford-Westmeath has been without a permanent ophthalmology consultant for over a year, this issue needs to be resolved and constituents in Longford-Westmeath need their health services operating efficiently and effectively in their local areas.”