Mattie McGrath: Demands Meeting on St. Bridges Hospital Closure

Deputy Mattie McGrath pressed for a meeting with an action group over the closure of St. Bridges Hospital in Calaconshire and demanded the facility be reopened. He said the hospital, including hospice beds, served East Waterford, South King and South Tipperary and must return to service.

Request for a meeting

McGrath told the minister that a promise had been made to meet the action group regarding St. Bridges Hospital and asked why that meeting had not taken place. He repeated the request that ministers facilitate and listen to the committee and asked directly - will you meet the committee?

Action group's concerns

The deputy said the action group wants to plead the case for a facility that previously included hospice beds and which they say is badly needed by the local community. He argued reopening the hospital would serve the areas of East Waterford, South King and South Tipperary.

Closure during the pandemic

McGrath accused the minister and the minister's colleague of closing St. Bridges Hospital "unceremoniously in the middle of the so-called pandemic." He described the closure as a matter that requires urgent attention and reversal.

Minister's response and exchange

The minister's office asked whether a request had been made through the office and said they would check again. An exchange followed in which McGrath challenged a claim about whether Minister Butler had met the group, asserting the meeting had not occurred as previously stated.