St. John Ambulance looking for new HQ

THE St. John Ambulance Mayo Division is looking for a new permanent home in Castlebar.

Established in the county in 2016, their current HQ is at Sean Bhaile in Castle Street in a premises in conjunction with St. Vincent de Paul.

A delegation came before Mayo County Council's Castlebar Municipal District yesterday to seek their support in finding a new location for the ambulance base.

The group consists of 30 volunteers, from all around the county and also Sligo, Galway and Leitrim. As one of the most sought after voluntary ambulance service providers in Connaught, the division has a fleet of two emergency ambulances and a new 4x4 ambulance, which is currently in fit-out and is due to enter service this summer.

St. John Ambulance provide medical event cover at many public events, including sporting occasions and concerts, as well as first aid training. It is not State funded.

Councillors were told that as one of the most successful divisions, they now need a more permanent location with secure storage, a place to park ambulances, and meeting and training facilities.

Deputy member in charge Niall McCormack said they were planning long-term for the future and were looking to partner with the council, who might have lands or a property available.

It was agreed to hold a meeting with the executive to discuss the voluntary body's specific needs

Councillors were supportive of the group's ambitions, saying the executive should examine all available options.