Air Ambulance returns to Athlone base

The Air Ambulance has returned to its Athlone base, local Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has confirmed.

Having confirmed the news with the Operations Support manager this morning, Deputy Kerrane said: "I welcome the return of the Air Ambulance to Athlone. It returned yesterday.

"I discovered last October that the Air Ambulance was to be re-located to Dublin last November until January to allow for works at the Athlone hanger. The works took longer than expected and the Air Ambulance was delayed returning.

"I know some feared it may not return at all.

"The majority of calls for the Air Ambulance come from County Roscommon and it is a critical part of our ambulance service.

"We have heard disturbing reports recently of changes to the crew. However, I will be meeting with the Director of the Ambulance Service in their HQ tomorrow and I will be seeking clarity on this service," said the Roscommon/Galway TD.