People Before Profit TD for Dublin Midwest, Gino Kenny, and local election candidate for Clondalkin, Darragh Adelaide, have expressed deep concern and anger over the lack of public health nurses in large areas of CHO 7, including Newcastle, Rathcoole, North Clondalkin and Lucan. This alarming shortage has left many children without access to essential developmental checks, putting their health and well-being at risk. Both representatives are calling for immediate action to address this critical issue.
Gino Kenny TD recently raised the matter in the Dáil with Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. “It is unacceptable that families in our community are being neglected due to a shortage of public health nurses,” said Kenny. “Children are missing out on crucial developmental assessments that can identify and address health issues early on. I urged Minister Donnelly to prioritize this issue, and he has committed to looking into a temporary solution. However, we need more than temporary measures; we need a sustainable plan to ensure every child has access to these vital services.”
Local election candidate Darragh Adelaide echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the long-term impacts on children’s health. “The absence of public health nurses means that parents in Newcastle and Rathcoole are left without support for their children’s early health needs,” Adelaide stated. “Developmental checks are not optional; they are a necessary part of ensuring our children grow up healthy and strong. The government must take immediate and decisive action to fill these gaps and provide our community with the healthcare support it deserves.”
