GPs and residents in County Clare have vowed to continue their campaign for the protection of GP services in rural areas following a community meeting last night.
Hundreds of people attended the meeting at Corofin Hall, where Clare's Government TDs gave assurances that supports to help doctors will be restored.
Up to 400 hundred people gathered in Corofin last night with one clear message in mind – No Doctor – No Village.
They travelled from communities across the county including Scariff, Kilmihil, Kildysart, Ballyvaughan and New Quay, while others visited from Limerick and as far away as Mayo.
Clare's four Dáil Eireann members were all present as people spoke of their concerns for the future of general practice in rural areas and the effect on the local businesses if the service is wiped out.
Doctors say their income has been slashed in recent years, and that the recent loss of a GP in Feakle could be the tip of the iceberg, as young doctors are not applying to replace outgoing medics.
But it seems there is light at the end of the tunnel, after Clare's Government TDs gave a committment at the meeting – that support will be put in place to protect the service.
There was an air of hope following the meeting with some people saying the spirit in rural communities who feel abandoned by the current Government and previous administrations, has been reactived.
Another meeting will be held on the 7th of January to ensure that pledges to restore supports will be upheld.
Dr Liam Glynn, who was one of the organisers of the meetings, has vowed that the campaign will continue until the voice of the people is heard.
