On Saturday night, Ennis in Co Clare was left with just half of its ambulance service while Kilrush had no emergency service for hours.
According to the Clare Herald, Ennis was left with just one ambulance while West Clare was left without emergency cover.
The paper went on to detail that only one paramedic was available at the Kilrush station covering all of the area to West Clare for a number of hours.
Kilrush based member of Clare County Council Ian Lynch spoke to Newstalk Lunchtime today about the incident and stated: "I was quite shocked and horrified to find out there was only ambulance in the county town.
"What happened was the paramedic turned up for duty on Saturday but the second person, who was due on duty, wasn't able to attend work.
"They couldn't find a replacement.
"This is not the first time this happened. This has been going on for over 12 months."
He finished by stating: "Currently, we're short 19 staff members in Clare to cover the shifts adequately."
David Hall, director of Lifeline Ambulance Service, also spoke to Newstalk Lunchtime today and stated that competent management was an issue.
"This is a very serious service. This is one that's the difference between life and death."
The HSE has released the following statement:
Specifically in relation to Ennis the National Ambulance Service (NAS) normally has 2 Emergency Ambulances and 1 emergency response vehicle (RRV) operated by an Advanced Paramedic at night time. There is also an Emergency Ambulance in Kilrush. There are other bases around the mid west which also provide support to County Clare. Due to short term absenteeism on Saturday night last (15th August) there was an Emergency Ambulance only operational in Ennis with an Emergency Ambulance in Kilrush. The RRV was available and on duty on Sunday night. It should be noted that the National Ambulance Service has one of the best staff attendance records but absenteeism at short notice can still cause some operational difficulties. There was no impact on any calls during this period in Ennis. We are committed to maintaining this level of service to the people of the Mid West.
