Youghal in line for ambulance training unit

Youghal is the preferred location for a new ambulance training unit, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed.

Fianna Fáil TD James O’Connor has welcomed the news after advocating for the service to be located in his constituency for several years.

Mr O’Connor’s party colleague Mr Donnelly confirmed to the Cork TD in the Dáil on Thursday that St Raphael’s site in Youghal is the preferred location for the fourth ambulance training unit in the country.

The Cork East TD told Mr Donnelly the project is hugely important to the town, saying, “Youghal desperately needs Government investment. This is one key area that could bring employment. A training facility that is much-needed too, in a community that wants it and desperately needs it.”

Mr Donnelly thanked Mr O’Connor for his “powerful and relentless” advocacy of healthcare services for Youghal, saying: “I think Deputy O’Connor has raised the ambulance training college every week over the last few years and I’m delighted to be able to confirm in the Dáil that the St Raphael’s site is the preferred location for the permanent ambulance training college.

“I know that will be very welcome news to the people in Youghal. It will be a wonderful facility for our national ambulance service and for Youghal as well.”

Mr O’Connor said he was “delighted” that there had been progress since he had last had a meeting with the minister on the matter.

He explained: “I know this facility will bring a new generation into the ambulance service and it will make a difference for the entire region. Youghal will be a worthy home for this facility.”

Mr Donnelly committed to visiting Youghal to see the location and drive the project as quickly as possible.