It’s not yet known when planned works to fix the problems at Carlow’s Ambulance Base on the Athy Road will be completed.
From Monday the crew of paramedics will have to operate out of the base in Kilkenny.
There are now fears amongst locals that it may be into 2017 before the crew can once again be based in Carlow.
The HSE and National Ambulance Service confirmed to KCLR News yesterday that works are planned to take place at the base which was this week deemed not fit for purpose.
On Wednesday, KCLR revealed that paramedics will be withdrawing from their station on the Athy Road and instead operating out of Kilkenny.
This has raised huge concerns about response times to emergencies in Carlow since an ambulance will now have to come from outside the county.
A source told KCLR News of sanitation issues like sewage blockage and smells at their base as well as no hot running water and no heating.
No timeline has been given for the works to start or finish, and the HSE say they’re now planning on overhauling the way ambulances are deployed in this country.
Following on from a review that was carried out earlier this year, a recommendation was made that instead of having vehicles located at one specific place, they’d be stationed at various points where they’re most likely to be required.
However, funding for this won’t be outlined until next year.
It remains uncertain what’s to happen with the ambulance service for Carlow people between now and then.
