Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The National Ambulance Service is committed to providing a safe, high quality and timely, patient centred ambulance service to people across the country, including in County Wicklow.

Overall resource availability across the North Leinster Area, which includes County Wicklow, has increased following the move towards dynamic deployment. Resources are now utilised across a region, so that if demand increases in one area, other resources from outside the immediate area can provide cover as required. In line with this practice, and using the Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System to triage calls, the National Ambulance Service stations in Wicklow Town, Arklow and Baltinglass, together with the Rapid Response Vehicle based in Newcastle, are supported by other ambulance bases from outside the county, including from Loughlinstown, Gorey, Naas and Athy.

The Capacity Review, published in 2016, examined overall ambulance resource levels and distribution against demand and activity. The Review identified particular difficulties serving rural areas such as County Wicklow. The Capacity Review indicated that the only practical way to improve first response times in rural areas is through voluntary Community First Responder schemes. The National Ambulance Service continues to work with local Community First Responder groups across the county to enhance services, with 23 Community First Responder groups currently operating in County Wicklow.

Investment in ambulance services is guided by the Capacity Review. This year the National Ambulance Service budget has increased to an unprecedented €168.6m. This will support the National Ambulance Service to continue to deliver a high-quality service across Ireland, including County Wicklow.