DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER DkIT’s ‘exemplary performance’ rewarded with €1,000,000 Page 4
Dundalk Red Cross to deliver first aid training to every school in Louth Page 8
Strike action averted in Lourdes hospital following talks Page 10
Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025. Vol. 18, Issue 14 • 9A, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 932 0888 | Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com
Morale low in understaffed ambulance service By Paul Byrne A LOCAL man who works for the ambulance service has warned that morale amongst his colleagues is at an all time low following recent decisions made by National Ambulance Service director Robert Morton. In a letter to staff last month Integrated Service Operation Manager for the North East David Clarke outlined plans to reduce overtime and create new rosters to cover these shifts. Contacting the Dundalk Leader, a worker in the ambulance service who wished to remain anonymous, said that these plans will have an adverse knock on affect for the whole region and will add even further strain to a service that is struggling already to cope with demand. “The National Ambulance Service Director, Robert Morton
ARD EASMUINN ROAD, DUNDALK. PHONE 042 935 7296. dunnesmonumental@gmail.com.
and Integrated Service Operation manager for the North-East, David Clarke, have decided that vacant lines that where previously covered by overtime are now not to be covered. This action will mean a massive drop in cover for Monaghan and that will have a knock on affect across the North East including Dundalk. “Recently there were 23 shifts not covered in Monaghan station and three in Castleblayney This is a combined total of 26 shifts not covered. On Friday the 28th of February there were zero ambulances from 21:00 (9pm) until 07:00 (7am) on Saturday. “Management have said that they have created new rosters to cover these shifts by implementing two new shifts one called the Dundalk- Monaghan and the other one Swords-Castleblayney. Continued on Page 2
North East Runner Niall Fergus completed his second ever half marathon in a fantastic time of 1hr 21m and 20 seconds. A tired but delighted Niall celebrated in Earl Street with his wife, children, mother and mother-in-law.
—OPEN— MON - FRI 9.30am – 5.30pm CLOSED 1pm-2.30pm (SAT 5pm)
EXTENSIVE RANGE OF QUALITY HEADSTONES ON DISPLAY - INSCRIPTION & RESTORATION SERVICE AVAILABLE