I welcome the establishment of a second ambulance and crew at Tuam Ambulance Base on 24-hour, seven-day basis to meet the demand for the service in the region. The additional ambulance and crew commenced operations at the Tuam base this morning. (Monday)

The base in Tuam services a large geographical area in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon. With only one ambulance based in Tuam we are replying on a service from Galway.

“I have had complaints from members of the public about the delays they have encountered. It makes no sense at puts lives at risk.

The common-sense approach which I have advocated was to locate a second ambulance and full crew to be on a 24-hour basis in Tuam.

The base is modern and suitably located just of the motorway. We all know the importance of the ambulance service and the important roll the service plays in any emergency.

I acknowledge to role played by the ambulance service locally and I also acknowledge the positive attitude of the National Ambulance Service, the HSE and Department of Health to ensure that the base in Tuam is fully utilised”.