2,000 people turn out for Portiuncula Hospital protest
A major protest took place in Ballinasloe today over downgrading fears at Portiuncula Hospital.
Up to 2,000 people turned out today in Ballinasloe to voice their fears for the future of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH).
The protest was organised by the Portiuncula Maternity Alliance (PMA), a group which has brought together families, healthcare professionals, and public representatives from across Galway, Roscommon, Westmeath, Longford, Offaly, Leitrim, Tipperary, Clare and beyond.
The protest follows a HSE announcement in July 2025, confirming that a broadened definition of ‘high-risk’ pregnancy is now being used to divert many more women away from PUH for delivery.
The protesters' rallying cry against any downgrading of services was 'Care can't wait - reinstate'.
Watch the march commence from the middle of the town:
