The HSE responded that the existing KDoc service in Naas provides a sufficient number of general practitioners, making a second location unviable at present.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been urged to establish an out-of-hours GP service in Kildare South due to population growth and accessibility concerns.
Currently, the only such service, KDoc, is located at the Vista Primary Care Centre in Naas, Kildare North, requiring lengthy travel for many residents of Kildare South.
Kildare South Labour TD Mark Wall recently raised the issue in a Parliamentary Question, requesting that the HSE consider setting up an after-hours GP service in Athy.
However, the HSE responded that the existing KDoc service in Naas provides a sufficient number of general practitioners, making a second location unviable at present.
Residents in parts of Kildare South currently face travel times of up to 40 minutes by car to reach KDoc, with even longer journeys for those in rural areas who rely on limited public transport options.
The lack of a nearby facility poses challenges, particularly for parents with sick children, according to Deputy Wall.
He pointed to a purpose-built health centre on Dublin Road in Athy as a suitable location for the service, emphasising that the facility remains underutilised.
Senator Wall will discuss this in more detail on tomorrow morning's Kildare Today show.
Kfm Obituary Notices
Uisce Éireann Works Cancelled In Prosperous And Rathangan Tomorrow
Trailer And Tools Worth Over €8,000 Stolen From Farm In Athy
Disruption To Water Supply In Four Areas Of Kildare Tomorrow, As Temperature Warning Continues
Kildare Minister Says Ireland Is At "Critical Moment" In Relation To AI
"Some People Are Treating It Like Mondello" : Councillor Raises Resident Concerns About Road In Newbridge
Gardaí Appeal After Two Separate Scrambler Thefts Reported In Kildare
Positive Update Issued For New Housing Project In Newbridge
