Calls for ophthalmology services to return to Mullingar Regional Hospital
More than 1,000 patients in Longford-Westmeath awaiting appointments, with waits of up to 15 months
Longford-Westmeath TD Micheál Carrigy has called for ophthalmology services to be restored at Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar, highlighting lengthy waiting lists and the difficulties faced by patients travelling to Dublin for specialist care.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Carrigy said more than 1,000 people across Longford-Westmeath were waiting for an ophthalmology appointment, with average waiting times of between 12 and 15 months.
He said patients were being referred to the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin because of an unfilled post in Mullingar, creating additional travel burdens for people who may already be experiencing health difficulties.
“In ophthalmology, there is a recurring issue, which I have raised here regularly, whereby patients must go to the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin,” Deputy Carrigy said.
“My constituents have long commutes to get to the services.”
Responding on behalf of the Government, Minister O’Donnell said a locum community ophthalmic physician had been providing clinics in Mullingar and Longford since March 2026, treating both adult and paediatric patients.
The Minister confirmed that Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar was progressing through the approval process to permanently fill the relevant post. However, patients may still need to travel to Dublin, depending on their condition and the clinical assessment or treatment required.
The Minister also said the HSE reported that, across the Dublin and Midlands region, most patients were seen within 15 weeks, while 90% were seen within 39 weeks.
Deputy Carrigy questioned why approval was still required to fill a permanent position when the shortage of ophthalmology staff was already affecting patients.
“We are short of staff to provide ophthalmology services, yet we are waiting for a post to be approved and advertised,” he said.
He stressed that Longford-Westmeath had been without a permanent ophthalmology consultant for more than a year and called for the issue to be resolved as a matter of urgency.
The discussion formed part of wider concerns raised by Deputy Carrigy about healthcare provision across the constituency, including occupational therapy, disability services, urology, dental care, renal services and mental health provision. He also highlighted the recent closure of the diabetes clinic in Mullingar.
The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised and said the Government remained committed to working with the HSE to address vacancies, strengthen service capacity and improve coordination between hospital and community services.
Deputy Carrigy concluded that patients in Longford-Westmeath deserved timely, accessible healthcare closer to home.
“This issue needs to be resolved and constituents in Longford-Westmeath need their health services operating efficiently and effectively in their local areas,” he said.