'We don't have the TDs in North Tipperary capable of getting this done'

Tipperary county councillor Jim Ryan has sharply criticised the three TDs representing north Tipperary, accusing them of ignoring much-needed upgrades to Nenagh Hospital. He pointed out that, ahead of the 2024 General Election, every candidate promised to champion improvements at Nenagh Hospital to ease the burden on University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

University Hospital Limerick (UHL) consistently ranks among Ireland’s most overcrowded hospitals, struggling to care for patients from north Tipperary, Limerick, and Clare.

Cllr Ryan argued that since Alan Kelly (Labour), Ryan O’Meara (Fianna Fáil), and Michael Lowry took their seats in the Dáil, they have failed to press the Government for vital improvements at Nenagh Hospital.

"Before the last General Election, at a debate in Nenagh, all candidates (including myself) were asked if they would support and ensure Nenagh Hospital would be upgraded to take the pressure off UHL in Limerick. All candidates gave a firm commitment that they would,” Cllr Ryan said.

"However, since the election, the three candidates who became TDs have done absolutely nothing to convince the Government to invest in Nenagh Hospital and reopen its emergency department.”

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He accused the TDs of failing to keep the promises they made before the election. Their silence since then is deafening, Cllr Ryan added.

“Meanwhile, trolley numbers at UHL in Limerick are at record levels, staff are under severe stress and horror stories are beginning to emerge from families at the way their loved ones are suffering while attending UHL in Limerick due to Government inaction,” Cllr Ryan said.

"Perfectly good hospital in Nenagh that can be upgraded to help the people of North Tipperary to avoid UHL in Limerick, but unfortunately, we don't have the TDs in North Tipperary capable of getting this done,” Cllr Ryan said.