Appointments Now Required For Covid Testing At Punchestown.

Wednesday, 8 September 2021 07:10

By Ciara Plunkett @plunkettciara

The facility had been operating as a walk-in test centre.

From today, appointments are needed to secure Covid 19 testing at Punchestown.

The centre there had been operating as a walk-in facility for some months.

The HSE Kildare, South Dublin, Wicklow group has confirmed the status change, as of 8am this morning.

It also applies to the test centre at CityWest.

Appointments can be secured through the online self-referral portal, or through GPs.

As of tomorrow September 8th Citywest and Punchestown Testing Centre's will be appt only. You can refer yourself via the self referral online portal or please contact your GP @derderkenny @kfmradio @NaasBall @TheEchoOnline @leinsleadernews @k_nationalist pic.twitter.com/Tyql9BZ6o4
— HSE Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow (@HSECHO7) September 7, 2021

The HSE says the suspension of walk-in Covid testing centres could last for the next two weeks.

It's aiming to reduce queues at sites after demand rose by more than a third in the last 48 hours.

Niamh O'Beirne, the HSE's national lead for testing and tracing, says people will need to book a test for the next while :

More from Local News

Meath Bird Flu Case Prompts Warning, But Chicken And Turkey Safe To Eat, Says Agriculture Minister

Audio

After confirmed cases in Carlow and Cork, the Department of Agriculture is imposing a mandatory order for all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors from next Monday.
One-Month Road Closure In Catherinestown To Start Next Week To Facilitate Maynooth Pipeline Works

The road will shut from the junction with the L5050 at Catherinstown to the L1015 at Kellystown from November 10th to December 6th.
Commuter Chaos On M7/N7 Renews Calls For Standby Emergency Response Team During Morning Gridlock

Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers said he would ask Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Minister Of Transport to better resource the response to certain incidents.
Thousands Of Workers Could Get Tax Back In Time For Christmas, Says Financial Advisor

People can also claim on GP visits, prescriptions and rent - along with flat rate expenses for certain professions.
Tension In Fianna Fáil Over Alleged Rebel List, With Kildare TD Sean Ó Fearghaíl Labelled Part Of Old Guard

At a private parliamentary party meeting last night, Kildare South TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl said he was surprised to be described as part of an “old guard”, noting he is almost the same age as the party leader.
Exclusive: Cllr Bill Clear To Join Independent Ireland After Months Of Discussions

According to a source, Cllr Clear's decision to join the party was “common sense” because his views align with the party's "centre-right" positioning of the political spectrum.
WATCH: Car Linked To Attempted Naas Robbery Spotted In Newcastle - Gardaí Warn Public Not To Approach

Gardaí are urging the public not to approach the occupants and to contact them immediately with any information
Gardai Appeal To Public For Assistance In Attempted Burlgary At Osprey Car Park Naas

Audio

When a staff member approached, a knife was produced.