Members of the ambulance service have reported difficulties with the water, extremes of heat and cold, and the presence of rodents at temporary accommodation at Merlin Park, according to Catherine Connolly TD.

She says their frustration with the unsuitability of the accommodation is fully understandable.

Deputy Connolly called for “immediate action” to be taken to resolve the difficulties around the temporary accomodation.

Despite repeated promises that this accommodation would be temporary, it is now over three years since the ambulance service was asked to move.

However, some headway has been made in relation to progressing the planned new ambulance service at Merlin Park, including the appointment of a design team.

But there are no definite start or completion dates for the construction of these new premises.

“The conditions of the temporary premises have deteriorated further and members of the ambulance service have reported difficulties with the water, extremes of heat and cold, and the presence of rodents, to name just a few.

“The promise that this accommodation would be temporary, and for only three months, has not been fulfilled, and quite clearly three and a half years later, the trust between the ambulance service and management has broken down.

“Given this history it is quite understandable that the ambulance team has made a decision to move back to Galway University Hospital,” said Ms Connolly.

She called for immediate action to be taken to resolve the difficulties with the temporary accommodation and also to progress the new premises.