Anger in Offaly as births, deaths and marriage registration centre closes doors

There is anger and disappointment in Offaly as the Civic Registration Office in Tullamore, which is used by citizens to register births, deaths and marriages is closing its doors.

Fine Gael councillor John Clendennen voiced his dissatisfaction with the move on social media.

He said: "It has been brought to my attention that the HSE are closing the Civic Registration Office in Tullamore from today.

"This will leave a void for births, deaths and marriage certificates that will see anyone living in Offaly expected to travel to Longford or Westmeath to avail of the service.

"Having used the service myself in recent times, I am acutely aware of how important it is and there is undoubtedly a level of demand for this office to justifiably remain open.

"It is frustrating that a matter of human resource succession planning raised over six months ago, has resulted in no action been taken to maintain this important service.

"I have made contact with the HSE this morning [Friday] requesting clarification on the matter and detail of when the service will be re-instated.

"This time last year we had the issue of potential loss of MIDOC services on the eve of Christmas, it is both frustrating and disappointing that we find ourselves yet again on the eve of Christmas with the HSE threatening to cut another service in Offaly," he concluded.