'Several options' for new Athlone ambulance base site

The process of selecting a site for the long-planned new ambulance base in Athlone is due to move forward early in the new year, the HSE has said.

"A number of options for a suitable location" for the facility are to be reviewed, according to a spokesperson for the HSE's Capital & Estates section.

The new ambulance base is set to replace the current facility in Blyry.

It was previously indicated that the HSE-owned site to the rear of the new Community Nursing Unit in Clonbrusk would be the first site considered for the new premises, and that if it was not suitable other HSE-owned sites would be looked at instead.

A fresh update on the project was issued on October 18, in reply to a parliamentary question tabled by Longford Westmeath TD, Robert Troy.

The response from the HSE said it was hoped the design process for the new ambulance base would commence early in 2025, and the first step in that process would relate to site selection.

"The initial step in the design process will be to review all options for a suitable site for the proposed ambulance base in the Athlone locality," stated the response to Deputy Troy.

"(HSE) Capital & Estates, in conjunction with the National Ambulance Service, are reviewing a number of options for a suitable location in the area.

"In parallel, the HSE is currently in the process of tendering for new Design Team Frameworks on a regional basis, and the intention is to have a design team appointed from the framework in early 2025 to progress with the design of the new Athlone Ambulance Base."

The process of appointing the design team for the project has been delayed, as Deputy Troy was told six months ago that the team should be in place by the third quarter of this year.