Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne has renewed calls for a new ambulance station in Drogheda, citing deplorable and unsafe conditions in the current ambulance base.

Among the many issues the paramedics have had to contend with are subsidence, the presence of mould, the lack of security on site and paramedics having no space to rest on their breaks.

Deputy Byrne told the Dáil that the station has long-standing infrastructural issues and lies in a state of significant disrepair. Despite the HSE knowing this for a number of years, there has been little visible investment to provide what should be a very basic resource and home base for such a crucial life-saving service. Deputy Byrne said “action is urgently needed on behalf of the 14 personnel currently based there.

"I've asked for the Minister to undertake an inspection of this station herself and I'd appreciate if that's brought back to her. I'd ask for her to personally keep an eye on whether these works will be carried out as soon as necessary.

I did ask already that the Minister engage with the National Ambulance Services on a potential new site for this station. This was mooted a few years ago, there was a couple of false dawns, but to date there is no concrete confirmation that a new site will be provided. We're flushing money down the toilet in my view on repairs. I visited this depot, it's in a severe state of disrepair and it's not fit for purpose to house the frontline services that's needed.

Deputy Byrne told media afterwards; “The Minister can’t commit to providing a new site, I appreciate that, but there’s an onus on her and Government to intervene here and she can seek clarity from the National Ambulance Service as to where they are on that issue and encourage engagement and dialogue between NAS and the HSE.

“I intend to pursue this issue until it is fully resolved and Drogheda, the largest town in the Country and next City of Ireland has a fully functioning, safe, fit-for-purpose station for the Ambulance personnel in this area to work out of.