Longford Westmeath ophthalmology services raised in Dáil

The lack of ophthalmology services in Longford and Westmeath was highlighted in a recent Dáil question by Longford Westmeath TD Micheál Carrigy.

Deputy Carrigy raised the issue with Tánaiste Simon Harris last week. The Fine Gael TD said: “The most recent correspondence I got from the HSE stated that for patients in Longford-Westmeath requiring a consultant ophthalmologist the pathway for access to the service is currently the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin as there is no consultant based in the Regional Hospital Mullingar, which covers Longford and Westmeath.”

Deputy Carrigy asked: “When will we get our service back in Longford-Westmeath?”

In his reply the Tánaiste and FG party leader said: “It is a long way from Longford to that hospital in Dublin, particularly for someone with an ophthalmology condition. Currently there is no consultant ophthalmologist based at the Regional Hospital Mullingar.

“The Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, is engaging with the HSE to see whether recruitment of a consultant ophthalmologist based in the Regional Hospital Mullingar is viable. It is something that she and I are eager to progress. Once the Minister hears back from the HSE, she will engage with the Deputy. I will also keep in touch with him on it.”

The delay in the appointment has been a protracted one. In December 2024 there were almost 1,070 people waiting for an ophthalmology appointment in Longford Westmeath, with the average wait between 12 and 15 months.