Largest public sector strike set to impact Carlow and Kilkenny

We’re set to be hit by the country’s biggest public sector strike in more than 15 years today.

Disruption’s due across Ireland as workers down tools and take to picket lines.

Image: picket line outside Kilkenny Castle (KCLR)

Schools and colleges are closed, hospital appointments cancelled, local authority run services (including libraries, bin collecting and more) are shut down as unionised individuals band together in their dispute at the heart of which is pay, most seeking an inflation-beating increase after the last public service agreement expired in June.

Image: Picket Line at Tynock National School on Carlow/Wicklow border (KCLR)

You’ll also see action at the gates of Teagasc Oak Park Research facility in Carlow.

Stay tuned as KCLR News personnel will be out across the two counties hearing from those taking part.

Here’s what various organisations have to say (this will be added to as we get it):

HSE

“The HSE expects significant and widespread disruption to many health and social care services on Wednesday, 14 October, due to public sector work stoppages.

As part of contingency plans for the day, all elective, day services and outpatient healthcare services across hospitals and community settings are cancelled. This includes routine hospital procedures, outpatient appointments, community-based services, day services, primary care clinics and other scheduled care services. HSE administrative services will also be impacted.

Home support care will continue for people with the highest care needs and those who are most vulnerable in line with approved derogations. Other visits may be rescheduled where clinically safe to do so. Services may also continue for some other home care clients where deemed necessary locally.

Emergency Departments, ambulance services operating at reduced capacity, and other critical and time-sensitive healthcare services, including urgent cancer treatment and dialysis, will continue to operate.

Anyone requiring urgent medical attention should not delay seeking care. In an emergency, people should dial 999 or 112 or attend their nearest Emergency Department where necessary.

Please consider all care options before seeking emergency care. Injury units, GPs, GP out-of-hours services, and community pharmacies will remain available.

Healthcare teams are making every effort to contact as many patients as possible regarding their appointments and services. Patients do not need to contact the HSE. All cancelled appointments will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

The HSE continues to engage with health sector unions regarding contingency arrangements and service delivery for Wednesday and we will provide further information as arrangements are finalised.

The HSE recognises the disruption this will cause for patients and their families, and we thank the public for their patience and understanding.”

County Councils