A total of €300,000 has been secured to improve an ambulance base in Carlow.

Serious concerns had been raised over the poor conditions the National Ambulance Service staff in Carlow are being forced to work in.

However, Fianna Fáil Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has confirmed that Carlow Ambulance Base is to be brought up to standard.

Senator Murnane O'Connor said: "The National Ambulance Service currently operates a base on the grounds of St. Dympna's Hospital in Carlow. The facility is of vital importance to Carlow as it provides ambulance cover for the entire county.

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"Concerns were previously raised that the facility might have to close due to the poor condition of the building. This is something which I have sought to prevent and I've raised it in the Seanad on a number of occasions.

"The Government previously confirmed to me that they were looking to secure investment to bring the facility up to standard in light of the health and safety concerns facing staff. I am delighted to confirm that €300,000 has now been set aside to provide a new ambulance base on the grounds of St. Dympna's Hospital.

"This will help protect our ambulance service in Carlow in the years ahead. I'm also glad to confirm that there will be no disruption to the provision of emergency ambulance services to the people of Carlow during the transition to the new base."

(CD/JP)