A Kerry TD claims an ambulance needed in Ballybunion was dispatched from Kilrush in County Clare and had to use the ferry.
Independent deputy Michael Healy-Rae, who is making the claim, says the practice of Dublin-based call centres dealing with overflow calls in North Kerry is ludicrous.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae says the National Ambulance Service dispatches overflow services to North Kerry from Kilrush, due to the physical distance between the areas; however, he says they don’t understand the Clare service needs to take a ferry.
He adds that, in most instances, Kilrush tells the call centre that the journey requires a ferry transfer, which means the call is transferred to Limerick.
However, the Independent TD says in one instance an ambulance left Kilrush, crossed the ferry and went to Ballybunion to the call out.
He says that was ludicrous, adding it is simply causing confusion and leading to chaos.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae says this is one of the many faults of nationalising the service, adding people not knowing the lie of the land leads to time being wasted – a delay that could result in a loss of life.
