‘Serious concerns’ for elderly in Waterford over reduction in hospital bus services

Two Waterford public representatives have raised “serious concerns” over planned reductions to a bus service that serves a local hospital.

Sinn Féin councillor Kate O’Mahoney took to social media to highlight proposed changes to a Dungarvan bus route.

She said that the bus service that transports elderly residents to Dungarvan Primary Care Centre and Dungarvan Community Hospital is set to be cut to just three days a week.

Cllr O’Mahoney said: “Our elderly residents deserve dignity and reliable access to healthcare.

“Cutting this transport service undermines that and places unnecessary stress on individuals and families. We need immediate action to restore the full service.

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“I have heard firsthand from patients who rely on this service, and the impact of these cuts is deeply worrying.

“Many are now anxious about how they will attend essential appointments and fear being left without any viable alternative.

“This situation is placing unnecessary strain on older people who should be supported, not sidelined.”

These sentiments were echoed by Sinn Féin TD Conor D McGuinness, who emphasised the importance of the service.

Deputy McGuinness said: “This service is a lifeline for many older people in our community.

“These are individuals who depend on this transport to attend vital medical appointments and maintain regular contact with healthcare providers.

“Reducing this service will inevitably lead to missed appointments, delayed care, and increased isolation.”

He went on to criticise the response from the HSE to a recently submitted Parliamentary Question.

“The response provided was weak, and failed to grasp the seriousness of the situation. It offered no meaningful reassurance to those affected and did not reflect the urgency required to address this issue.”

He added that he has written to the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, calling on her to urgently intervene and reverse the decision to cut the service.

Both representatives have asked the Minister to ensure that the bus service is reinstated to its previous timetable without delay.

They have also requested a detailed response outlining the steps that will be taken to safeguard the service.