Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding plans to develop a 24/7 ambulance base in West Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42505/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is currently examining ways to improve the deployment of emergency resources in the Roscommon area, in order to enhance service levels and performance against national standards.

Emergency activity levels in the Roscommon area remain static. Therefore, the NAS is seeking to use existing resources more efficiently in order to improve response times. To this end, the NAS is examining, in consultation with staff representatives, the introduction of tactical deployment from ambulance stations and suitable emergency dispatch points in west Roscommon. Work is progressing, under the terms of the Croke Park Agreement, on the introduction of the type of new work practices that would allow this service development to proceed.

Talks were held locally in May on the use of the fire station in Ballaghaderreen as an emergency dispatch point by the NAS. Roscommon County Council has now informed the NAS that, on foot of communication from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, it is not in a position to progress this matter. In light of this development, the NAS is considering other locations. However, challenges in relation to costs and access to appropriate accommodation mean that it is not possible a this stage to indicate when an emergency dispatch point will commence operation in West Roscommon.