Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have raised this matter concerning the SouthDoc service in Kinsale, County Cork, because of a public meeting held there several months ago. The lack of a dedicated SouthDoc service in Kinsale has not been addressed since 2014 when we lost it due to a merger between two existing services in Bandon and Kinsale. Since then, the community in Kinsale has not had a dedicated SouthDoc service based in the town itself.

SouthDoc services are a key part of the social and economic fabric of Kinsale and how it does its business. It is a large town with a significant urban hinterland and a thriving tourism industry which sees the town's population quadruple in the summer months. Due to the age profile of some of these tourists, the lack of the SouthDoc service has become an issue over the past several years.At a public meeting I attended with other public representatives, it became apparent that it is a major issue in the town. I want the Minister and the Department to look at where we are going with the SouthDoc service for the people of Kinsale. There are genuine concerns not only for the residents but also for the tourism industry. It was taken away in 2014 because of financial constraints, but it is now appropriate to look at reinstating this service. The physical infrastructure, the building, is still there. All we need is the will on the part of the Department and I hope I might get some news on that today in order to progress this very important issue.